Information Literacy

IntroductionIn this day of technical gadgetry, retrieving information is done via pod casts, web casts, Blackberries, Wi-Fi hot spots, and cable television among other means. People become informative and literate with the news and information they receive. According to the American Literacy Association (1989), "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." Within the scholarship, practice, and leadership model, the concept of information literacy is important due to learner responsibility and the level of research and information dissemination. Information literacy crosses all boundaries, such as socio-economic, age, and education. The following is a comparison and contrast of information literacy in education and a synthesis of a case study with PhD students by Ola Pilerot.

Information Literacy Compare and ContrastThe Presidential Committee on Information Literacy's Final Report (1989, para 1) states that the change in technology have caused a need to enhance the "technology for storing, organizing, and accessing the ever growing tidal wave of information."

A depiction of the world's oldest continually oper...

Information literacy

Literacy in the information age diagram

The need for progress and advancement has caused American society to become informed and up-to-date (Presidential Committee on Information Literacy's Final Report). "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." The report also states the importance of schools and colleges integrating information literacy into their programs, thus establishing leadership roles for the advancement of the student and school (Presidential Committee on Information Literacy's Final Report, Para 3). The importance of the librarian and library as the source of technology and knowledge for students, faculty, and community is essential. "Restructuring the learning process will not only enhance the critical thinking skills of the...