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| Information Literacy |
Topic: Information Literacy - Areas, Standards, Types and Models; Trends in Information Literacy
1. Information Literacy: Concept and Meaning
Definition:
Information Literacy (IL) refers to the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively. It empowers users to become independent lifelong learners.
Key Characteristics:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Ethical use of information
Origin of the Term:
Coined by Paul Zurkowski in 1974, President of the Information Industry Association, USA.
2. Areas of Information Literacy
Information Literacy spans multiple domains:
a. Library Literacy
Skill in using library resources like OPACs, indexes, databases, catalogs.
b. Media Literacy
Understanding and analyzing media content (TV, social media, newspapers, etc.).
c. Computer Literacy
Basic understanding of operating computers and using productivity tools.
d. Digital Literacy
Using the internet, search engines, e-resources, and evaluating online information.
e. Visual Literacy
Interpreting and creating visual content (images, graphs, charts).
f. Network Literacy
Understanding how to use online networks effectively for communication and information sharing.
3. Standards of Information Literacy
Various international and national organizations have developed standards:
a. ACRL Standards (USA) – 2000
Developed by Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
5 Standards:
1. Determine the nature and extent of the information needed.
2. Access needed information effectively and efficiently.
3. Evaluate information and its sources critically.
4. Use information effectively for a specific purpose.
5. Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.
b. SCONUL Seven Pillars (UK) – 1999, revised 2011
Developed by the Society of College, National and University Libraries.
Seven Pillars:
1. Identify
2. Scope
3. Plan
4. Gather
5. Evaluate
6. Manage
7. Present
c. UNESCO MIL Framework
Media and Information Literacy framework integrating competencies from both media and information literacy.
4. Types of Information Literacy
1. Basic IL – Identifying and locating information.
2. Library IL – Navigating physical and digital libraries.
3. Media IL – Understanding media messages and manipulation.
4. Computer IL – Using computers and technology tools.
5. Digital IL – Using digital tools and evaluating online content.
6. Visual IL – Understanding visual content and media.
7. Network IL – Communicating and interacting through online networks.
8. Health IL – Locating and understanding health-related information.
9. Financial IL – Making informed financial decisions.
10. Civic IL – Using information for civic participation and democracy.
5. Models of Information Literacy (with steps and origin)
a. The Big6 Model (by Eisenberg & Berkowitz, 1987, USA)
One of the most widely used models for K–12 education.
Six Stages:
1. Task Definition
2. Information Seeking Strategies
3. Location and Access
4. Use of Information
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation
b. Seven Pillars of Information Literacy (SCONUL, UK, 1999, revised 2011)
Pillars:
1. Identify – Recognize the need for information
2. Scope – Know what is available
3. Plan – Construct strategies for locating
4. Gather – Collect and access
5. Evaluate – Review and assess
6. Manage – Organize and store
7. Present – Communicate and apply
c. Empowering Eight Model (by INFOLIT, IFLA, 2007)
Developed under the guidance of Forest Woody Horton for developing countries.
Eight Components:
1. Identify
2. Explore
3. Select
4. Organize
5. Create
6. Present
7. Assess
8. Apply
d. Information Search Process (ISP) by Carol Kuhlthau (1991)
Focuses on the emotional dimension of searching information.
Six Stages:
1. Initiation
2. Selection
3. Exploration
4. Formulation
5. Collection
6. Presentation
e. PLUS Model (Herring, 1996, UK)
Designed for school education.
Steps:
1. Purpose
2. Location
3. Use
4. Self-evaluation
6. Trends in Information Literacy
1. Integration in Curriculum:
IL is now a core part of higher education programs, especially for research scholars.
2. Shift to Digital IL:
With the growth of online learning and remote work, digital IL has gained importance.
3. Focus on Lifelong Learning:
IL is seen as a lifelong competency needed across professions.
4. MIL (Media and Information Literacy):
UNESCO is pushing integrated MIL for responsible media and information use.
5. Library-led IL Programs:
Libraries act as hubs for IL workshops, orientation sessions, and training programs.
6. Use of ICT Tools:
Tools like MOOCs, e-learning portals, and digital libraries are widely used.
7. Policy Inclusion:
NEP 2020 emphasizes critical thinking and information literacy for students.
7. Information Literacy in Indian Context
- Initiatives like INFLIBNET, NPTEL, SWAYAM, and NDL India are promoting IL.
- UGC mandates IL training through library orientation programs in colleges/universities.
- Some Indian universities incorporate IL as part of Research Methodology courses.