What is Information Literacy?
 Information literacy is a set of abilities that support independence in the practices of
identifying, accessing, evaluating, organising and communicating
information. It is relevant to all disciplines, to all learning environments and to all levels of education.
As the volume of globally accessible information expands [2], so too does the need for developing sophisticated ‘information handling’ skills. These skills are now essential for learning, working and participating in society.
Information literacy encompasses a wide range of competencies from evaluating the quality of information to the effective use of information technology, which supports accessing, organising and communicating information.
Recognition of Information Literacy
Information Literacy Standards
The Finn Report (1991) [3]
"The committee recommends that the AEC and MOVEET endorse the following Key Areas of Competence as essential for all young people engaged in post-compulsory education and
training: (...) Language and Communication (including) Accessing and using information"
The Mayer report (1992) [4]
Key competencies:
Collecting, analysing & organising ideas and information: (and definition) The capacity to locate information, sift and sort information in order to select what is required and present it in a useful way, and evaluate both the information itself and the sources and methods to obtain it.
Communicating ideas and information: (and definition) The capacity to communicate effectively with others
using the range of spoken, written, graphic and other non-verbal means of expression.
The Candy Report (1994) [5]
"The following findings emerged from the study: (...) Access to, and critical use of information and of information technology is absolutely vital to lifelong learning, and accordingly no graduate--indeed no person-- can be judged educated unless he or she is 'information literate' and, to an extent computer literate as well;"
The West Report (1998) [6]
"The Review Committee believes that, ideally, every graduate with a first degree should have acquired the following
attributes: (...) Research, discovery, and information retrieval skills and a general capacity to use information;"
Institution of Engineers Australia (1999) [7]
National Generic Competency Standards: For Stage 2 Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Engineering Associates, And The Advanced Stage Engineer
Competency Units and Elements. Self management in the Engineering Workplace.
PC3.3 Manages information
a. Locates and reviews relevant information
e. Analyzes information
The information that Professional Engineers are required to select and manage may include products, techniques, processes and theories as well as creative ideas. Sources of information include other Professionals, the Internet, journals, and expert reports.
According to the Council of Australian University
Librarians (CAUL) standards [8] , the information literate
person:
  recognises
the need for information and determines the nature and extent of the
information needed
 accesses
needed information effectively and efficiently
 evaluates
information and its sources critically and incorporates selected
information into their knowledge base and value system
 classifies,
stores, manipulates and redrafts information collected or generated
 expands,
reframes or creates new knowledge by integrating prior knowledge and
new understandings individually or as a member of a group
 understands
cultural, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of
information and accesses and uses information ethically, legally and
respectfully
 recognises
that lifelong learning and participative citizenship requires
information literacy
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