A special project of the Australian Library and Information Association
Power your mind! 12-18 May 2003

What is Information Literacy?

The Interim National Coalition for Information Literacy Advocacy has a working definition:

An information literate person recognises when information is needed and can locate, access, evaluate and apply that information.

Information literacy encompasses the effective use of multiple information technologies and formats, enables individuals to develop skills for learning throughout life, and supports skills for workplace enterprise and for community participation.

In the field of information literacy there is a range of approaches and models. These expand on the basic 'find, understand and use' steps featured on one of the LIW posters. As Prue Mercer stated in her article in inCite [March 2003]:

'They focus on the key processes of: Recognising that to meet a need or resolve a problem requires information. Knowing how to identify if the needed information exists. Knowing how to find information (all formats and technologies). Knowing how to build new information into existing knowledge. Knowing how and when to seek help in information seeking. Knowing how to record or store information for future use. Knowing how to interpret or analyse information efficiently and ethically. Knowing how to communicate information to others appropriately.'

See also the American National Forum on Information Literacy's links to key websites.

An example of 'The Information Literacy Life Cycle' [159K pdf, external site].