Definitions

__** ﻿ Definitions **__


 * "The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed. Information literacy has progressed from the simple definition of using reference resources to find information. Multiple literacies, including digital, visual, textual, and technological, have now joined information literacy as crucial skills for this century" (AASL Standards for 21st Century Learner, 2007)**

Main Entry: **in·for·ma·tion** Pronunciation: \ ˌ in-fər- ˈ mā-shən\ Function: //noun// Date: 14th century //2 a// //(1)// **:** knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction //(2)// **:** [|intelligence], [|news] //(3)// **:** [|facts], [|data] **b** **:** the attribute inherent in and communicated by one of two or more alternative sequences or arrangements of something (as nucleotides in DNA or binary digits in a computer program) that produce specific effects //c// //(1)// **:** a signal or character (as in a communication system or computer) representing data //(2)// **:** something (as a message, experimental data, or a picture) which justifies change in a construct (as a plan or theory) that represents physical or mental experience or another construct **d** **:** a quantitative measure of the content of information; //specifically// **:** a numerical quantity that measures the uncertainty in the outcome of an experiment to be performed 3 : the act of [|informing] against a person 4 : a formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecuting officer as distinguished from an indictment presented by a grand jury — in·for·ma·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective — in·for·ma·tion·al·ly adverb
 * 1** **:** the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence

-- From: [|Merriam Webster Online]

Main Entry: **lit·er·a·cy**

Pronunciation: \ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē\ Function: noun Date: 1883
 * the quality or state of being literate

-- From: [|Merriam Webster Online]

Main Entry: **flu·en·cy** Pronunciation: \ˈflü-ən(t)-sē\ Function: noun Date: 1636
 * the quality or state of being fluent

-- From: [|Merriam Webster Online]

Main Entry: **col·lab·o·rate** Pronunciation: \kə-ˈla-bə-ˌrāt\ Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): col·lab·o·rat·ed; col·lab·o·rat·ing Etymology: Late Latin collaboratus, past participle of collaborare to labor together, from Latin com- + laborare to labor — more at [|labor] Date: 1871 1 : to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor 2 : to cooperate with or willingly assist an enemy of one's country and especially an occupying force 3 : to cooperate with an agency or instrumentality with which one is not immediately connected — col·lab·o·ra·tion

\-ˌla-bə-ˈrā-shən\ noun — col·lab·o·ra·tive

\-ˈla-bə-ˌrā-tiv, -b(ə-)rə-\ adjective or noun — col·lab·o·ra·tive·ly

\-lē\ adverb — col·lab·o·ra·tor

\-ˈla-bə-ˌrā-tər\ noun

-- From: [|Merriam Webster Online]

"**Information Literacy** is the ability to identify, retrieve, evaluate, and use information that is appropriate to a need. Students who develop information literacy skills will be more successful in their studies and their daily lives. They will find that these skills are an essential element in becoming a lifelong learner."

-- From [|Western Michigan University Libraries] Information Literacy Site

"**Information literate people** are those who have learned how to learn. They know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information, and how to use information in such a way that others can learn from them. They are people prepared for lifelong learning, because they can always find the information needed for any task or decision at hand."

-- From [|ACRL Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report]: Association of College & Research Libraries

In the application of theory to real-life situations, procedures that, when properly applied, consistently yield superior results and are therefore used as reference points in evaluating the effectiveness of alternative methods of accomplishing the same task. Best practices are identified by examining empirical evidence of success. See, for example, the [|guideline] of the [|Association of College and Research Libraries] (ACRL) on [|Characteristics of Programs of Information Literacy that Illustrate Best Practices] (2003). Compare with [|guidelines] and [|standards].
 * Best Practices:**

From -- [|Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science]

The skills required to [|retrieve] [|information] efficiently and communicate effectively using computer [|hardware] and [|software], based on a conceptual understanding of computer technology and how it can be used to accomplish specific tasks, including an awareness of its inherent limitations, as well as its advantages. Because hardware and software are progressively [|upgrade]d, an ongoing effort is required of the user to remain computer literate. Compare with [|information literacy].
 * Computer Literacy:**

From -- [|Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science]

The state or quality of being worthy of trust or belief. The reliability of [|information] [|content] usually depends on the motives and [|credential]s of the [|author] or provider. In 2001, Consumers Union launched a three-year Web Credibility Program with $4.8 million in [|grant] support from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Knight Foundation, and the Open Society Institute. Its goals are to investigate the business practices of [|Web site]s and report findings to the public, develop [|disclosure] [|standards] for the [|Internet], and make the public more aware of disclosure issues. Academic [|librarian]s have responded to lack of disclosure in the [|online] environment by emphasizing [|critical thinking] skills and [|verification] techniques in [|information literacy] instruction. The Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford University maintains [|Stanford Web Credibility Research], a site devoted to understanding what leads people to accept information they find on the [|Web]. [|Institute for Information Literacy (IIL)]
 * Credibility:**

From -- [|Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science]

Skill in finding the [|information] one needs, including an understanding of how [|libraries] are organized, familiarity with the resources they provide (including information [|format]s and [|automated] [|search] tools), and [|knowledge] of commonly used [|research] techniques. The concept also includes the skills required to critically evaluate information [|content] and employ it effectively, as well as an understanding of the technological infrastructure on which information transmission is based, including its social, political, and cultural [|context] and impact. [|Click here] to connect to the [|Web site] on information [|literacy] maintained by the [|Association of College and Research Libraries] (ACRL) or try [|Information Literacy on the WWW], a site maintained by the Florida International University Libraries. The [|American Association of School Librarians] also maintains a homepage on [|Information Literacy]. Synonymous with information skills. Compare with [|computer literacy] and [|media literacy]. See also: [|bibliographic instruction] and [|Institute for Information Literacy]. [|Instruction Section (IS)]
 * Information Literacy IL:**

From -- [|Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science]

One of the goals of [|bibliographic instruction] and [|information literacy] programs is to help [|library] users obtain the skills they need to pursue [|knowledge] at any age, independent of a formal educational institution. [|Public libraries] play an important role in meeting this need because they provide [|access] to [|materials] in a wide range of [|subject]s at various [|reading level]s, not only for students enrolled in a formal curriculum but for anyone interested in reading and learning.
 * Lifelong Learning:**

From -- [|Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science]

**Literacy:** The ability to read and write with a minimal level of proficiency. Illiteracy is the inability to read and write. The literacy rate of a nation or other geographic area is usually expressed as the percentage of its [|adult] citizens who know how to read and write. In the United States, adult literacy programs have been available for many years, and [|public libraries] have been heavily involved in promoting literacy. In recent years, such efforts have focused on adults for whom English is not the first [|language]. For an example of an [|online] literacy initiative, see [|Guys Read] by Jon Scieszka. Compare with [|computer literacy] and [|information literacy]. See also: [|International Reading Association], [|new adult reader], [|ProLiteracy Worldwide], and [|Office for Literacy and Outreach Services].

From -- [|Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science]

Criteria established by professional [|association]s, [|accrediting] bodies, or [|agencies of government] for measuring and evaluating [|library] services, [|collection]s, and programs. The [|ALA Policy Manual] defines standards as policies that "describe shared values and principles of performance for a library." They tend to be comprehensive, covering a broad range of programs and services, defining both qualitative and quantitative criteria and presenting [|goal]s toward which the profession aspires. Examples include [|Standards for Libraries in Higher Education] (2004) and [|Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education] (1999), published by the [|Association of College and Research Libraries] (ACRL). The four main types of library standards/guidelines and the authority for developing them are explained in the [|ALA Standards Manual] (November 2003).
 * Standards: **

From -- [|Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science]


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