What Is Information Literacy, And Why Should You Care?

 

Information literacy is the ability to find, understand and use information. This article will break down some of the basics of information literacy and how to start implementing a program in your classroom or library.


What is information literacy?


Information literacy is the ability to read, understand, and use information. It’s a set of skills that allows you to find, evaluate, and use information. Information literacy is important because it helps you make better decisions. It also allows you to participate in our democracy and our economy.


Information literacy is a lifelong skill. You can always learn more about how to find, evaluate, and use information. And, as our world changes, the skills you need to be information literate will change too.


How Do We Develop Information Literacy Skills?


Information literacy is a skill that must be developed in order to find, evaluate, and effectively use information. This is a lifelong skill that is essential in the ever-changing world of information and technology. So, how do we develop information literacy skills?


There is no one answer to this question, as everyone develops these skills in different ways. However, there are some general tips that can help you on your journey to becoming information literate.


First, it is important to be aware of the different types of information sources that are available. These include books, articles, websites, databases, and more. Each type of source has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to know when to use each one.


Second, it is also important to be able to evaluate information sources. This means considering things like the author's qualifications, the date of publication, the bias of the source, and more. Once you have evaluated a source, you can then determine if it is reliable and useful for your purposes.


Finally, once you have found reliable and useful information sources, it is important to know how to effectively use them. This includes being able to properly cite your sources in order to avoid plagiarism


The importance of information literacy


It is estimated that only 12 percent of the world’s population is truly information literate. This means that nearly 90 percent of people are unable to find, understand, or use information effectively.


Data education is significant in light of the fact that it engages individuals to pursue informed choices. It enables them to access and understand information so they can solve problems, make decisions, and take action.


Information literacy also allows people to participate fully in society. In a world where more and more decisions are made based on data and evidence, those who cannot access or understand this information are at a disadvantage.


There are many reasons why someone might not be information literate. They may not have had the opportunity to learn, or they may come from a community where information is not readily available. They may also face language barriers or lack the confidence to seek out and use information.


Whatever the reason, it is clear that increasing levels of information literacy is essential for individuals and for society as a whole.


How to become information literate


There's no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming information literate, but there are some key things you can do to become more comfortable and confident working with information.


Start by familiarizing yourself with the different types of information sources that are available, and how to evaluate them for quality and relevance. Then, practice finding, using, and citing information in your everyday life. Finally, seek out opportunities to learn more about information literacy through workshops, online resources, and conversations with others.


Becoming information literate is an ongoing process, but by taking these steps you can start to feel more confident in your ability to find and use information effectively.