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The American Library Association define information literacy as the set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information."
Information literacy is an essential skill in our information society. Due to the increased use of ICT’s, information literacy is increasingly important as individuals are faced with abundant information through their academic studies, careers, and personal life. Along with information being increasingly presented in different mediums due to advances in technology such as multiple media, including graphical, aural, and textual this leads to a need for the development of literacy skills used to comprehend such material.
Information is readily accessible in today’s society through libraries, media, oraganisations and the internet. Even though information is easily accessible it does not mean that with the abundance of information that it is easier to comprehend these sources without the skills necessary to digest and determine the validity of information. Information literacy has come under more emphasis due to the increased amounts of technology commonly used at home, work, for educational means and everyday life, and it is the basis of the increased emphasis on lifelong learning.
Information technology skills allow individuals to use computers, software applications, databases and various other technologies. Information technology skills are similar to information literacy, however information literacy focuses on broader social applications of information skills.
With the principles of lifelong learning being promoted by education providers, it is increasinlgy necessary to retrain and re-skill workers to keep updated with changes in technology. Without the necessary information technology skills it is increasingly difficult for employees to keep updated with changing technologies.
An issue with information technology skills has arisen with the occurrence of an ageing workforce. Throughout a career an individual will find it necessary to retrain and re-skill due to the constant evolution of technology.
Current learning technologies and their effectiveness across age groups has yet to be established, nor are there any programs specifically targeted for older workers, this leads to whether or not older staff have the information technology skills needed to work effectively in the information age.
Increased emphasis by higher education providers has led to lifelong learning principles, which information literacy is a key component. By providing students with reasoning and critical thinking skills higher education providers ultimately provide individuals with the skills for continued growth throughout their careers. Information literacy has social implications as well as allowing individuals to become informed citizens and members of the community.
Through the combined efforts of faculty and administrative staff and librarians incorporating essential information literacy skills into course and programs students are able to develop information literacy skills. However, for students not undertaking education through a traditional classroom setting different technologies allow information exchange to take place. Issues with information literacy and distance education occur when education providers aim to create a comparable experience online as one would experience on campus.
American Library Association. 2005. Association of college and research libraries. http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/informationliteracycompetency.htm (accessed October 23, 2005).
Massy, J. 2005. ‘Learning’s Grey Market’. E.Learning Age 14 – 16. (accessed October 23, 2005, from ProQuest: ABI/Inform Global)
Jessica Strudwick 15:10, 27 Oct 2005 (EST)
