[tweetmeme source=”librarianbyday” only_single=false]This presentation was given by Sheila Webber at the 10th INFORUM conference held in Prague, Czech Republic, 25-27 May.
She also wrote a short paper to accompany it (pdf) in which she expands the definition of information literacy
“Information Literacy is the adoption of appropriate information behaviour to identify, through whatever channel or medium, information well fitted to information needs, leading to wise and ethical use of information in society.”
Appropriate information behaviour means IB that is best for the context. If your context is writing an essay at university, searching electronic journals may be best. If you are seeking information about using Google Docs to share material, then you might go to a specialist online discussion group for advice.
Webber outlines 7 key aspects of 21st century information literacy:
- IL as context specific and context sensitive;
- IL demanding a variety of behaviours: not just searching, but also encountering, browsing, monitoring, managing and creating;
- People moving along complex paths to meet their information needs: moving between the virtual and physical worlds, and using different sources and spaces;
- IL in digital environments;
- IL with people sources;
- People being information literate individually and collaboratively
- People being aware they are information literate: you cannot be an information literate 21st Century citizen without being conscious of the need to develop these IL skills and attitudes, and continue to update your IL through your life!
Libraries and Transliteracy 