What is Information Literacy?

      The idea of information literacy began to form in the 1970s. The concept continues to be shaped as educators talk with each other, share their perspectives in writing, and experiment with the concept in their teaching.

Many Definitions

      The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges provides a brief yet focused definition that includes a statement of the goal of information literacy:

the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information to become independent lifelong learners

      One of the most widely used definitions originates with the American Library Association:

To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

      Paul Zurkowski, serving as president of the Information Industry Association, first used the term in 1974:

People trained in the application of information resources to their work can be called information literates. They have learned techniques and skills for using the wide range of information tools as well as primary sources in molding information solutions to their problems.

      For other definitions see the Directory of Online Resources for Information Literacy.

Many Other Names

      Many other terms may be used to describe, or relate directly to the concept of information literacy; for example:

On to A Variety of Perspectives    --->
What is Information Literacy? A Variety of Perspectives Why Be Concerned About It? Two Key Documents The Challenge Invitation To A Shared Endeavor For Further Learning
Address questions or comments to:
Hodges Library, Reference & Instructional Services
eref@email.lib.utk.edu.
Created: September 2001. Text by Marie Garrett. Design by Scott Rice