Information Literacy

Five aspects of information literacy

The term Information Literacy was first coined by Zurowski in 1974 and is defined as such, “anyone who has learned to use a wide range of information sources in order to solve problems at work and in his or her daily life” This definition has evolved over time to include various aspects of Technology. The presence of ICT's may be at the forefront of discussions surrounding information literacy, though the fundamental concept refers to an individual's ability to effectively locate and utilize information, and apply those skills to a variety of situations. Information literacy is multifaceted because it encompasses a wide range of skills and abilities that are necessary for effectively locating, evaluating and utilizing information. This includes not only technical skills such as searching databases and using specialized software but also critical thinking skills such as evaluating sources for credibility and bias.

Information literacy standards have been mapped out and measured by a number of organizations including the Association of Colleges and Research Libraries, and The American Library Association. The ACRL defined information literacy as a set of abilities individuals need to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically . These skills are organized in a framework that consist of 6 categories called the Six frames ; Authority is Construction and Contextual, Information Creation as a Process, Information Has Value, Research as Inquiry, Scholarship as Conversation, and Searching as Strategic Exploration.

The first framework describes that the level of mastery is reflected directly within the construction of the resource. The context of why the information is being sought out determines what level of mastery or authority is needed to make it reliable. The second frame describes the making of information as a unique process defined by the variance of steps that are executed to create it. The third frame expresses the organization of information by its purpose and by the way it might be valued based on the user's background. The fourth frame Research as Inquiry, describes the iterative process that goes into gaining awareness and understanding of a subject through investigation. The fifth frame, scholarship as conversation is a reminder that the discoveries that people have made over time are products of diverse perspectives. This frame also examines the power structure that deems some information more important than others. The final frame, Searching as Strategic Exploration examines the correlation between the flexibility of the learner and the connections they make while exploring a topic. This frame describes the exploration of research as iterative and not linear.

Demographic impacts or causes

Digital Divide

One of the causes of the digital divide is an unbalanced distribution of resources, including technology and internet access, among different regions and demographic groups.. For example, rural areas may have limited access to high-speed internet, while urban areas have abundant access to the latest technology. Additionally, low-income households and communities of color may not have access to the same technology and internet resources as wealthier and predominantly white communities. The digital divide can affect a person's information literacy skills. as those who do not have access to technology may not have the same opportunities to learn and develop these skills..

Another factor that contributes to the digital divide is the digital literacy gap. Individuals who lack the skills and knowledge to effectively use technology and the internet may be at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing information and services, participating in the digital economy, and taking advantage of the benefits of technology. Some socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of access to technology and the internet, and limited exposure to diverse perspectives and information sources can also impact an individual's ability to learn and develop information skills and literacy.. )For example, if someone comes from a marginalized community that has been historically excluded from educational opportunities, they may face barriers that make it more difficult for them to develop information skills and literacy.

California

Data collected in California from 2020-2022 found that the percentage of households with school children who have full access to both the Computing device and internet connection for educational purposes increased from 60% in Spring 2020 to 69% in Fall of 2020. Progress in this area stalled at 71% in Spring 2021. This data also shows that full digital access remains lower among Latino households ( 63%), Black households (71%), and low income households with school children (59%). It also highlighted that the persistence of these gaps in digital access may reflect the long-term and capital intensive challenge of providing broadband access compared to the Simplicity of Distributing mobile devices.

Effects on Education

Student Engagement

Information literacy can have a significant impact on student engagement as it helps students to access and make sense of the information they encounter in the classroom and beyond. Some ways in which information literacy can affect student engagement includes : empowerment, increased ownership of learning, active learning, relevance and interest, collaboration, and personalization. Information literacy has the potential to boost a students capability of engaging with the material at hand. This stems from the different skills that go into being proficient in evaluating, and using information to learn independently. . Increased ownership of learning can be impacted when students are information literate. the student is able to take more ownership of what they're learning by seeking out and evaluating information on their own which can lead to increased engagement and motivation. These skills encourage Active Learning where students are actively seeking, evaluating and applying information which can lead to deeper understanding and retention of material. When students are able to access and evaluate information on topics that interest them, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn. Furthermore, collaboration is also impacted by information literacy, the student is better equipped to work together to find and evaluate information, which can lead to increased engagement and collaboration in the classroom. Information literacy also allows students to personalize their learning experience by seeking and evaluating information that is relevant to their interests, needs, and goals.

Education Inequalities

Information literacy can play a significant role in reducing education inequalities by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to access and critically evaluate information . This can help Level the playing field for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have the same resources and opportunities as they're more privileged peers. One way that information literacy can impact education inequalities is by providing students with the ability to find and use credible sources of information for their studies. By teaching students information literacy skills they can learn how to seek out and utilize the contents of it from a variety of sources including libraries, the internet and other community resources. The Gap in access to technology and the resulting educational disparities continue to be a concern in the United States and other countries, affecting students from low-income backgrounds, those who are the first in their families to attend college, and minority groups. As a result, colleges and universities face the task of catering to students with varying levels of technological proficiency, with a lack of knowledge and skills in digital literacy proven to impede student achievement. A study performed by a mid Atlantic minority serving Institution used a multi methodological approach to address information literacy and the digital divide in higher education. ). This study Incorporated survey results pre and post testing of students enrolled in introductory and intermediate Computer Applications courses and scores from 5 years of placement testing the change in student performance was measured by comparing pre-imposed test scores and the post test scores were also evaluated against the same test scores obtained from incoming freshmen over a five year period. The study also showed that students at these institutions lack the technology skills required for academic success. Computer Applications courses were found to be effective in Building Technology skills, as students had positive views and saw the courses as necessary for their academic and professional growth. an online learning system with immediate feedback and Remediation was also found to be effective in building computer and information literacy skills. the study was conducted over a 5-year period with a sample size of over 2,800 individuals, including data from 2,690 ic3 tests, 160 completed surveys, and pre and post testing of 103 students.

Misinformation

In addition to providing students with access to information, information literacy can also help them develop the skills they need to critically evaluate the information they find. This can help students become more Discerning consumers of information unless susceptible to misinformation and propaganda. This is particularly important given the current ERA of fake news and disinformation.

Misinformation refers to false or misleading information that is spread deliberately or unintentionally. The issue is that misinformation can spread quickly and widely through social media and other online platforms, making it difficult for people to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information. This can lead to the dissemination of false or harmful information, and can have serious consequences, such as the spread of conspiracy theories, the manipulation of public opinion, and the erosion of trust and institutions. To combat this issue it is important for individuals to develop their information literacy skills so that they can critically evaluate the information they come across and make more informed decisions.

Research led by the Stanford history education group and co-authored by Weinberg found that high school students from 14 States struggled to distinguish between trustworthy and untrustworthy information online. Only 3% of students were able to identify websites claiming to deliver legitimate information about climate change as being run by the fossil fuel industry and over half believed a misleading video supposedly showing ballot stuffing in the US election. The students tend to use ineffective methods, such as trusting.org web addresses and quotations about us pages, and less than 10% cross checked a source's credentials with a simple web search. The Stanford history education group letter research study co-authored by Weinberg, which found that high school students from 14 States struggled to differentiate between trustworthy and untrustworthy information online . Only 3% of students were capable of recognizing websites claiming to provide legitimate information about climate change as being operated by the fossil fuel industry and over half believed the false video claiming to show ballot stuffing in the US election). The students tended to use ineffective methods such as relying on.org web addresses and quotes from “about us” Pages, and less than 10% took the time to verify a source's credibility.

Libraries

Libraries provide communities with the resources that are needed to support literacy and education. They serve a role in supporting literacy skills in children and adults. The access to these resources provides people with the resources they need to become literate in information. Librarians are trained to assist community members if they need help with using references, this ensures that people are learning how to use the resources effectively. Libraries often provide access to computers and other technology, including printers and scanners, which are essential for conducting research.The widespread availability of different technologies in these institutions has had a profound impact on our ability to access information and resources. The ability to access information and resources easily and quickly has provided individuals with an opportunity to practice their information and literacy skills. By having access to a wide range of information, individuals can broaden their knowledge, gain new insights, and develop their critical thinking skills. This helps bridge the gap between those who have access to information and resources and those who do not, and helps to promote equality and inclusiveness.

Global Efforts

UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, commonly referred to as UNESCO, is a global organization dedicated to promoting education, science, and culture. It operates under the umbrella of the United Nations and serves as a platform for member countries to exchange ideas and resources. UNESCO provides a variety of tools, resources, and guidance to help nations enhance their information literacy skills and drive their growth and development. Through its efforts, UNESCO aims to support the advancement of knowledge and understanding across the world.

The Alexandria Proclamation

The Alexandria Proclamation on Information Literacy took place in 2005 at the Harbor of Alexandria in Egypt. . It was a meeting sponsored by Sponsored by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) (Garner, J.D., M.L.I.S, 2006)on the subject of the importance of information literacy and states that “It is a basic human right in a digital world and promotes social inclusion of all nations.” The conference was a call to action for governments to also support and promote information literacy and invest their resources to develop it among the people of the world. A product of the Alexandria Proclamation was a reexamination of how the information society can be supported and actionable items to support the society. A phrase that was reported states “ It is time to move from “Information for All” to “Information Literacy for All.” and “ Information Literacy is more than a library or education issue. It is crucial to issues of economic development, health, citizenship and quality of life.” .

The Prague Declaration

A meeting called the Information Literacy Meeting of Experts was held in Prague, Czech Republic in 2003. The meeting's purpose was to introduce a set of principles and policy recommendations for governments of the world to support information literacy amongst all people. One of these principles states: “Information Literacy, in conjunction with access to essential information and effective use of information and communication technologies, plays a leading role in reducing the inequities within and among countries and peoples, and in promoting tolerance and mutual understanding through information use in multicultural and multilingual contexts.”