What is Information Literacy?

Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is an instructional pedagogy focused on creating information competence in all college students. The Association of College and Research Libraries has established 5 standards for competence for all higher education students. Numerous accrediting associations have also incorporated the Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education documents.

Stonehill College's Information Literacy Program seeks to have students achieve competency in all five standards:

• Standard 1
  The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.

• Standard 2
  The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

• Standard 3
  The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and valus system.

• Standard 4
  The information literate student, individually or as a member of a group, usses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

• Standard 5
  The information literate student understands many of the economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.

Adapted from Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education , ALA, 2000.