How fast do you usually get information? Do you always know the latest information out there? If you need and are able to identify the information, it can be said that you are well-literate. According to the national forum in the US, information literacy refers to ability to know if there is a need to information and able to identify, use and evaluate the information. Get to know about the concept, forms of literacy and more information here.
Concepts of Literacy to Information
Defining the concept of literacy to information is not simple. Some efforts have been made to define the concept and relate this to other goals such as computer literacy, traditional literacy, library skills and others. The literacy to information is known as different skill that becomes a key to economic and social well-being.
According to McTavish, focusing attention on literacy is able to increase and optimize contributions in several aspects such as:
- Health
- Democratic society
- Sustainable economy
- Industry
By improving the level of literacy, it means increasing the people’s contribution to those aspects. It becomes a reason why education is an effective way to improve the literacy level.
History of Literacy to Information
First appeared in 1974, information literacy was described the skills and techniques to utilize information tools and primary sources to acquire solution for specific problem. In 1989, the committee of literacy to information then released the importance of being literate.
In 2003, the national forum together with UNESCO described the term as key to culture, social, and economic development of communities and nations. Being literate was also mentioned as part of lifelong learning, which was one of basic human rights.
Components of Literacy Education
Shelley Hughes and Jeremy Saphiro mentioned a holistic approach to this literacy in education field. It is not merely adding information technology courses but also bringing new conceptualization. Both of them believe that literacy education is important to democracy future, if citizens are intelligent in acquiring information.
There are 7 essential components of holistic approach to this literacy. The components are:
- Tool literacy
- Resource literacy
- Social literacy
- Research literacy
- Publishing literacy
- Technology literacy
- Critical literacy
Information-Literate Importance
How important is being information literate? As information spreads rapidly, education needs to adapt and evolve accordingly. Literacy to information can be a key to educational institutions, while the institutions are promoting a lifelong learning.
Educational methods should also facilitate and improve children’s ability to acquire and use information wisely. It should improve the ability to evaluate information and find the relevance as well as authenticity. It needs certain skill to evaluate information, and education helps students to deal with it.
Moreover, being information literate allows you to get any kind of information you need and process it with your skill. Information literacy refers to how aware you are about the need for information and your ability to identity it. With technology is rapidly developing around you, there is no reason not to be information literate.