Research Guides: Information Literacy: Definitions and Overviews

Information Literacy

Information literacy is the set of capacities that students must develop to become wise consumers of information and life-long learners.

In a world in which the amount of information available continues to increase exponentially, it is critical that everyone has the ability to locate, retrieve, assess, and use information efficiently and wisely.

General Definitions and Standards

Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
The Framework was approved in January, 2016 by the Association of College and Research Libraries, and replaced the Standards as the primary guiding document from the organization in defining and assessing information literacy. "The Framework is organized into six frames, each consisting of a concept central to information literacy, a set of knowledge practices, and a set of dispositions. The six concepts that anchor the frames are presented alphabetically:"

Authority Is Constructed and Contextual
Information Creation as a Process
Information Has Value
Research as Inquiry
Scholarship as Conversation
Searching as Strategic Exploration
AASL Standards Framework for Learners.
Standards for K-12 Learners developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
Understanding Information Literacy: A Primer
Published by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), "this publication is an easy-to-read, non-technical overview explaining what 'information literacy' means, designed for busy public policy-makers, business executives, civil society administrators and practicing professionals."

Subject Guide

Suzanne Gray

On Sabbatical Winter 2025

Subjects: African American Studies, Anthropology, Communication & Speech, Criminology, Sociology, Women's & Gender Studies

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