Chapter 1

Introducing Information Literacy

Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy 1

Learning outcomes
After reading this chapter, you should be able to answer the
following questions:

• What is information literacy?

• What other literacies are important in the digital world?

• Why is it important to be information literate?

• What are the competencies of an information literate person?

• What are the theoretical models and frameworks

for information and digital literacy competencies?

2
What is literacy?
• Reading and writing

• Are you literate?

• Who is more literate: you or a Grade 1 learner?

• Can you give examples of the importance of literacy?

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Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy

Image credit: Naki Kouyioumtzis. Pearson Education Ltd

Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy 4

Literacy
It is important to note that literacy is

• dependent on the context, and

• not absolute, but rather has degrees of literacy level.

Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy 5

What are the competencies required for a
person to be information literate?
1. To know when information is needed and how much is needed

2. To be able to find information (knowledge about sources, as

well as the necessary technology skills)

3. To be able to evaluate the information

4. To be able to use the information to accomplish a specific goal

5. To understand the importance of information and how to use it

responsibly

6. To communicate effectively in the digital environment

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What are the competencies required for a
person to be information literate?

Imagine you are going to China on holiday:

• What information do you need to make this happen?

Competency 1:
Recognise the need for information and
determine the extent of information needed

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Ltd
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What are the competencies required for a
person to be information literate?

Imagine you are going to China on holiday.

• Once you have listed all the information that is required,

how will you find it?

Competency 2:
Finding information effectively and efficiently.
Knowing where to find information and how to
find it.

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Ltd
Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy 8
What are the competencies required for a
person to be information literate?

Imagine you are going to China on holiday.

• How do I know if the information is correct and if I

can trust the information?

Competency 3:
Evaluate information and sources critically

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Ltd
Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy 9
What are the competencies required for a
person to be information literate?

Imagine you are going to China on holiday.

• What do I do with all the information I found?

Competency 4:
Incorporate into your knowledge base and use it
to accomplish a specific purpose

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Ltd
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What are the competencies required for a
person to be information literate?

Imagine you are going to China on holiday.

• Can I re-use and share the information?

Competency 5:
Understand the economical, legal and social
issues and use the information ethically and
legally

Competency 6:
Communicate effectively in the digital
environment, and create new ideas and
products.
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Ltd
Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy 11
What information will I need to achieve my
goal?

Ask yourself:

1. What kind of information do I need?

2. In what format should these potential sources

of information be?
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3. How much information is required to complete

my task?

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What information will I need to accomplish
my goal?

Imagine you want to make some pocket money and

decide you want to make soap to sell to your friends.

1. Analyse the topic.

2. Decide what sources to use.

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3. Use a variety of sources.

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(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khczMlH-eMU)

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How to use this book

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Information literacy models and frameworks

A large body of research exists on:

• Models for teaching information literacy skills

o For example: Big 6 for teaching information literacy in tertiary institutions

• Frameworks for assessing information and digital literacy

o For example: ACRL and Open University’s Digital Literacy Framework

Chapter 1: Navigating Information Literacy 15

Summary

In this chapter, you covered the basic principles of information literacy and the
characteristics of information literate people.

You gained insight into the role and importance of information literacy for your
studies and research, for lifelong learning and for coping in the information and
knowledge society.

You also looked at an overview of the theoretical background and practical

examples of the skills and competencies that you need to become fully
information literate in the digital world.

In the rest of the book, you will consider these competencies of information
literacy in detail.

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