INFORMATION LITERACY

 Definition

It is one’s ability to identify an information gap, find, evaluate and use the information effectively and efficiently whilst following ethical obligations of using such information in resolving the information gap (ALA, 1989).

Importance

1.      Independent learning

It enables learners to learn new things with little or no guidance.

2.       Life Long Learning

It helps individual to keep on updating their mental faculties with regards to developments in fields of their interests.

Characteristics of an Information Literate Individual

The following behaviour is evident in an information literate individual:

1.       Gauging the right quantity for the information need.

2.       Locating and retrieving the right information with ease within the shortest time span.

3.       Evaluating the credibility of the retrieved information sources

4.       Making connections between ideas and new concepts for assimilation

5.       Citing and referencing consistently when using borrowed information to fulfill a perceived purpose.

Information Literacy Competency Standards

These are frameworks that are used to assess information literacy skills of individuals with the use of outcomes. The standards are as follows:

1.       Nature and Quantity of Information

The individual is able to identify the type of exercise at hand thereby identifying the nature and quantity of information needed.

2.       Accessing Needed Information

The person is able to locate, find and retrieve the needed information with much ease and within a limited time span.

3.       Evaluation

The individual is able to assess the credibility of the retrieved information using an established criterion.

4.       Use

The person is able to apply the information to fulfill a particular identified purpose.

5.       Ethical Use

The individual cites and references the borrowed information since the person understands the legal, economic and moral value of information.