Basically there are many definitions available for Information Literacy but as far as the most comprehensive and best definition is concerned, it can be defined as the whole set of skills and capabilities which are required in a person in order to recognize the possibilities from a variety of sources which are available to the person, archive them, categorize them, analyze them and then utilize them in ethical manner. The present era of 21st Century has been proudly named as the Information Age, which has seen unforgettable and remarkable development because of the proper enhancement and exploration of information output and information resources. Since that time, the use of information has been expanded with enormous growth in the technology aspects (ALA, 1989).
Information literacy has a very strong relationship with the concepts of computer literacy and library literacy. In fact, Information Literacy is far much better than these concepts because it stands ahead, gives the ability to think outside the box and not only gives the access to the knowledge but also the skills how to use the information in ethical manner.
Importance of Information Literacy
(ala.org) Information literacy is of great importance for every well being in the world. There are several examples of opportunities available around us which are neglected or regretfully missed by people who are not aware of the golden chances normally or even misguided by unaware people. These opportunities could be related to education, cultural, professional, business, corporate or normal in nature but for everyone, it is important in real life. Proper use of information literacy helps people is identifying their skills and the opportunities present around them.
Information literacy can be exchanged with people and can increase their know-how on every field. Information provided to people through schools, broadcasting systems, and print news media enables people to have multiple opinions and opportunities regarding every matter they are concerned with in their daily life. Previously, people used to obey their “expert” opinions, but with the help of information literacy, people are free to seek the information they required and make their own decisions.
Where Is Information Literacy Needed?
The main concept of Information Literacy is far beyond the way it seems. When the question arises that who needs Information Literacy? Then the answer is obvious than its question. The answer is Information Literacy is required for everybody. Every human being either a student, common man, teacher, working professional, businessman, politician, or any other person who wants to live his personal life. Information Literacy is the need for every human. It improves the overall quality and standard of our lives (Andretta, 2008, p152).
Components of Information Literacy
(ala.org) The overall cycle of Information Literacy can be understood in six different stages. These stages are listed as under:
- Understanding the scenario by researching basic questions.
- Identifying the available sources of information.
- Recognizing and analyzing the found resources.
- Organizing and processing the information found.
- Presenting the information to the appropriate spectators.
- Doing critical evaluation of the whole work.
Conclusion
After the overall evaluation and study of Information literacy, we have come across a point where we know where the world is standing right now having all the information found since the old era till this advanced information age. We have many concepts of computer literacy, cultural literacy, global literacy, civic literacy and library literacy. But the common point on which everybody agrees and understands is that the most common goal of life is to live a free life where people could judge what’s going around them, evaluate the situations and make their own decisions to live a healthy and happy life.
References
American Library Association (ALA), 1989, Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report; Washington, D.C.
Association of College Research Libraries, 2000, Information literacy competency standards for higher education. Web.
Susie Andretta, 2008, Promoting reflective information literacy practice through Facilitating Information Literacy Education (FILE), health information & Libraries Journal from EBSCOHost Research Database, Vol. 25 Issue 2, p150-153.