Information Literacy and LibGuide Information for Faculty  

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

American Library Association

So, breaking that down, let's start with information. What is information?

Information is not the form it is presented in, there are many ways to express the same idea, present data or communicate a concept. Information is the message.

Information Literacy teaches students:

• To know when they need information, when they are lacking the critical message
• To find relevant messages in many formats, and determine which format will address their information need best
• To evaluate the message, by critically responding to the information
• To create a new message, by incorporating the information with their own thoughts

Many ask what is different about Information Literacy; what differentiates it from Bibliographic Instruction?