Definitions of IL
There are many definitions of Information Literacy:
- CILIP have defined information literacy as "Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner." They have also created more in depth guidance on the skills required to be information literate.
- The first draft of the (Scottish) National Information Literacy Framework Scotland is now available. A copy of the draft framework can be found as a pdf download from the project website. The draft framework is being developed with secondary and tertiary partners using SCQF (Scottish Credit Qualification Framework) aims, structure and key features and existing frameworks and models. The Framework lists information literacy skill levels for all SCQF levels from access (School) through to PhD. They are also looking at applying it to the workplace and the wider community.
- NHS Education for Scotland have developed an information literacy definition and framework that can be used in the healthcare context.
- The Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) developed the Seven Pillars of Information Literacy model in 1999. It was designed to be a practical working model that would help develop ideas amongst practitioners and generate discussion. It was updated in 2004. SCONUL's position paper on Information Skills for Higher Education outlines the reasons for the development of the model.
- The Joint Information Services Committee (JISC) uses the term i-skills to describe information literacy and IT skills. i-Skills are defined as: "the ability to identify, assess, retrieve, evaluate, adapt, organise and communicate information within an iterative context of review and reflection
- The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) defines information iteracy as: "the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information." The ACRL has created a set of standards that outline in detail the skill set needed to be information literate. The website also provides guidance on collaboration, curriculum design and pedagogy.
- The Australian and New Zealand Institute for Information Literacy (ANZIIL) have developed an information literacy framework that outlines what makes an information literate citizen.
Prague declaration of 2003 defines Information Literacy as "encompasses knowledge of one’s information concerns and needs, and the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, organize and effectively create, use and communicate information to address issues or problems at hand; it is a prerequisite for participating effectively in the Information Society, and is part of the basic human right of life long learning."
- The Alexandria proclamation of 2005 on Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning proclaims that Information Literacy lies at the core of lifelong learning. It empowers people in all walks of life to seek, evaluate, use and create information effectively to achieve their personal, social, occupational and educational goals. It is a basic human right in a digital world and promotes social inclusion of all nations.”
- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy define "Digital Information Fluency (DIF) as the ability to find, evaluate and use digital information effectively, efficiently and ethically."
Image entitled Information, Media and Digital Literacy by Karin Dalziel. Reproduced from flickr.com under the Creative Commonc Licence.
Created by: CSG Information Literacy Group
Updated: 4 November 2008