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Jovita Kaur, Lovely Professional University Unit 12: Evaluation of User Educational Programmes

Unit 12: Evaluation of User Educational Programmes Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
12.1 Information Literacy—Definition and Need

12.2 Specific Aspects of Information Literacy

12.3 National Forum on Information Literacy
12.4 Bibliography

12.5 Summary
12.6 Keywords

12.7 Review Questions

12.8 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain information literacy—definition and need
• Describe specific aspects of information literacy
• Discuss national forum on information literacy.

Introduction

Several conceptions and definitions of information literacy have become prevalent. For example,
one conception defines information literacy in terms of a set of competencies that an informed
citizen of an information society ought to possess to participate intelligently and actively in that
society.
The American Library Association’s (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy, Final
Report states, “To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is
needed and has the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”
Information Literacy is important to all libraries, library users, and the general public.
Jeremy Shapiro and Shelley Hughes (1996) define information literacy as “A new liberal art that
extends from knowing how to use computers and access information to critical reflection on the
nature of information itself, its technical infrastructure and its social, cultural, and philosophical
context and impact.”

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