Information Literacy: What is Information Literacy?

The purpose of this LibGuide is to provide users with resources on information literacy. Information literacy forms the foundation for life-long learning. It promotes problem-solving approaches and thinking skills – asking questions and seeking answers, finding information, forming opinions, evaluating sources, and making decisions fostering successful learners, effective contributors, and confident individuals.

According to the Association of College and Research Libraries, "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."

An information literate individual is able to:

• Determine the extent of information needed
• Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
• Evaluate the information and its sources critically
• Incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
• Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally