Information Literacy

Running head: Information Literacy

Information Literacy

Michael Phan

University of Phoenix School of Advance Studies

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Information Literacy

According to perceptive wisdom there are many definitions available for Information

Literacy, but as far as the most comprehensive and best definition is concerned, it can be

defined as the whole set of skills and capabilities, which are required in a person in order to

recognize the possibilities from a variety of sources which are available to the person, archive

them, categorize them, analyze them, and then utilize them in ethical manner. The present era

of 21st Century has been proudly named as the Information Age, which has seen unforgettable

and remarkable development because of the proper enhancement and exploration of

information output and information resources. Since that time, the use of information has been

expanded with enormous growth in the technology aspects (ALA, 1989).

Information literacy has a very strong relationship with the concepts of computer

literacy and library literacy. In fact, Information Literacy is far much better than these

concepts because it stands ahead, gives the ability to think outside the box and not only gives

the access to the knowledge but also the skills how to use the information in ethical manner.

Importance Information of Literacy

Information literacy is of great importance for every well being in the world. There are

several examples of opportunities available around us which are neglected or regretfully

missed by people who are not aware of the golden chances normally or even misguided by

unaware people. These opportunities could be related to education, cultural, professional,

business, corporate or normal in nature but for everyone, it is important in real life. Proper use

of information literacy helps people is identifying their skills and the opportunities present

around them.
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Information literacy can be exchanged with people and can increase their know-how

on every field. Information provided to people through schools, broadcasting systems, and

print news media enables people to have multiple opinions and opportunities regarding every

matter they are concerned with in their daily life. Previously, people used to obey their

“expert” opinions, but with the help of information literacy, people are free to seek the

information they required and make their own decisions.

Where is Information Literacy Needed

The main concept of Information Literacy is far beyond the way it seems. When the

question arises that who needs Information Literacy? Then the answer is obvious than its

question. The answer is Information Literacy is required for everybody. Every human being

either a student, common man, teacher, working professional, businessman, politician, or any

other person who wants to live his personal life. Information Literacy is the need for every

human. It improves the overall quality and standard of our lives (Andretta, 2008, p152).

Component of Information Literacy

The overall cycle of Information Literacy can be understood in six different stages.

These stages are listed as under:

1. Understanding the scenario by researching basic questions

2. Identifying the available sources of information

3. Recognizing and analyzing the found resources

4. Organizing and processing the information found

5. Presenting the information to the appropriate spectators

6. Doing critical evaluation of the whole work

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Conclusion

After the overall evaluation and study of Information literacy, we have come across a

point where we know where the world is standing right now having all the information found

since the old era till this advanced information age. We have many concepts of computer

literacy, cultural literacy, global literacy, civic literacy and library literacy. But the common

point on which everybody agrees and understands is that the most common goal of life is to

live a free life where people could judge what’s going around them, evaluate the situations

and make their own decisions to live a healthy and happy life.
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References

American Library Association (1989). Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final

Report, Released on January 10, 1989; Washington, D.C.

Association of College Research Libraries (200). Information literacy competency standards

for higher education, Released November 3, 2007. Retrieved June 12, 2008, from

http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/informationliteracycompetency.htm

Susie A. (2008). Promoting reflective information literacy practice through Facilitating

Information Literacy Education (FILE), Health information & Libraries Journal. Vol.

25 Issue 2, pp. 150-153. Retrieved on June 12, 2008, from EBSCOHost Research

Database.