Information Literacy

Information Literacy: a set of abilities requiring individuals to 1 "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. 2 "

The cynical and pretentious literary snob in me wants to push her glasses up the bridge of her nose and primly remark that the definition of information literacy, as defined by the ALA and NFIL, sounds quite like the definition of good thinking.

But, like I said, she's a snob; so let's ignore her, shall we?

To me, information literacy is just a term used to convey the fact that people know how to properly find, analyze, and utilize information in whatever areas their lives may require. From a book editor in New York City to a foot soldier in Afghanistan to a waitress in Nevada, all of those jobs would demand that the people in possession of them should be able to accurately, if not perfectly, know how to exercise their ability to make good decisions, complete assignments correctly and thoroughly, and interpret the information they are presented with accurately in accordance with their job.

References:

1. "Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education." American Library Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2012.

2. "What Is the NFIL?" National Forum on Information Literacy RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2012.