Library Home: Information Literacy: Be Savvy about your Sources: Defining Literacy

Table of Contents: Information Literacy

Literacy Definition

Literacy
Literacy is the ability to read, write, and use language, numbers, images, computers, and other basic means of communication.
Additionally, it means to know how to use technology to communicate and find the information you need to make informed decisions.
Competence or knowledge in a specified area

Information Literacy = Searching Savvy

Information Literacy: Being able to define what you need, then find, choose, and use information well.
Define your information need - Narrow down, or broaden as needed
Find information efficiently - Library databases
Choose information - Is it worthy? Who says so? Where did the information come from? Why is the information being published or promoted? Follow the Money. Who benefits?
Use information ethically by citing sources.

Competency Grid

Image source: 21st-Century Competencies and Their Impact: An Interdisciplinary Literature Review David Finegold and Alexis Spencer Notabartolo