Information Literacy in the 21st Century

Information literacy is a key capability for the 21st century. The distinction between information and knowledge is central to understanding the meaning of information literacy. Information literacy goes beyond that of information retrieval and evaluation. An information-literate person actively uses information to further personal learning and growth with respect to all facets of life. The importance of planning information searches and prioritizing potential sources of information is stressed, as is the need for active engagement with information to seek understanding. It is at this point that the bridge between information literacy and learning occurs; the transformation of information into knowledge that is demonstrated in the production of a unique product (be it an essay, report, media object, etc.). Technology can facilitate learners’ development of information literacy skills but also bring new challenges. The model of a community digital library may be a valuable one in this regard. One challenging but exciting new area is how e-books may contribute to curriculum design in the 21st century. Another emerging area that will impact on information literacy is the nature of online communities and whether Web 2.0 will bring new levels of information literacy to learners of all ages in the 21st century.