What Is Information Literacy?Libraries are places where people can build their information literacy skills, including:
Follow the links below to learn more. Information Literacy: What Parents Should Know Libraries, Librarians and Information Literacy Additional 21st Century Literacy Resources What Parents Should KnowUntil recently, the ability to read was considered the single most important factor in preparing children to lead productive and fulfilling lives. A love of reading is still the best gift a parent can give a child, but it is no longer enough. Today we receive information from a variety of sources that include books and other print materials, but also television, radio and the Internet. With so many options, finding the best information for our needs has become more challenging. We must be able to read. But we must also know how to use computers and how to conduct an effective Internet search. We must understand the strengths and weaknesses of various media. Last but not least, we must be able to evaluate the information we find, apply it to the task or problem at hand, and communicate it to others. Librarians and educators call this combination of skills information literacy—and they are the foundation for 21st century literacy. What you can doAs a concerned parent, grandparent or guardian, there are several things you can do to help children learn these critical skills:
Libraries, Librarians and Information LiteracyHelping people of all ages to be informed consumers of information is an important part of what today's libraries and librarians do. Librarians are the ultimate search engines. They are experts at finding quality information— whether online, in books, video and other formats. In schools, colleges and universities, librarians play a key role in teaching students and faculty how to use information technology for research and other needs. In public libraries, librarians help their customers find the best, most current and accurate information for their needs. Almost every public library offers preschool storyhours, summer reading and other programs to promote a love of reading and learning in children and teens. Most public libraries also provide information and referral about adult literacy programs in their communities. Some libraries sponsor classes for adults who wish to learn to read, and some offer special family literacy programs. About 95 percent of all public libraries, including branches, provide computers and Internet connections for the public. Many also offer computer instruction for business people, students and others wishing to develop their skills and knowledge. These classes teach a wide range of skills, including how to send e-mail, do research on the Internet, and prepare budgets using computer software. Benchmark your ProgressStandards for K-12The following "Information Power!" standards for teaching 21st century literacy skills have been identified by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association, and the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Information LiteracyStandard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively. Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently. Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively. Independent LearningStandard 4: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and pursues information related to personal interests. Standard 5: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information. Standard 6: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation. Social ResponsibilityStandard 7: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and recognizes the importance of information to a democratic society. Standard 8: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology. Standard 9: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information. Standards for Higher EducationThe Association for College and Research Libraries has identified the following 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 value system. Standard 4: The information literate student, individually or as a member of a group, uses 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. Additional 21st Century Literacy ResourcesHow to Evaluate Information Resources Internet Searching: Finding Quality Web Sites FamiliesConnect Resources for ParentsALA Graphics Catalog Especially for Parents and Kids Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning Great Web Sites for Kids Notable and Award-winning Children's Titles Winning Titles for Young Adults |
