Information Literacy Sajjad ur Rehman

What Is Information Literacy? Empowering individuals in becoming self-reliant information users Developing skills and attitudes for life-long use, consumption and application of information

Terminology and Variations Information literacy Computer literacy Library and information skills Orientation Bibliographic instruction User education

Information Literates In order for a person to be information literate, one must be able to recognize when information is needed and should have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively. Information literates are those who have learned how to learn, as they know how information is organized, found, located, used and applied in personal, professional, and other areas.

Why? Users have time pressures and other constraints Focus on cost effectiveness Specialized needs of users Need of sophisticated users for independence (contd.)

Why User Education? Focus on personalized use in certain environments Changes in information resources and services and information technologies

Activities Levels of needs and related programs: Orientation activities Organized tours Special purpose training programs Credit and non-credit courses for beginners Advanced bibliographic resource courses Computer-assisted instruction Help features Web-based applications

Considerations Untraditional One-to-one basis Focused Emphasis on cost effectiveness Constraints of human resources

Orientation Welcoming and introducing actual and potential users to the set-up, resources, services, physical layout, organization of materials, specialized resources and services

Content of Orientation Varies from setting to setting Important areas Resources Services Basic rules and regulations Access mechanics: locating items, ILL/DD Physical setup Special collections

Exposure to Specialized Resources (1) In-house resources Technical reports Documents Archives Specialized reports Patents and standards

Exposure to Specialized Resources (2) Electronic resources in different formats Internet as a resource Special databases In-house External

Exposure to Specialized Services Use of portals for searching OPACs and databases Use of networked information resources through LAN Use of telecommunication utilities Use of Internet Use of CAS Use of DD Services Use of other specialized services

Methods Lectures/presentations Demonstrations Use of portals Computer assisted instruction Case studies Involvement in projects Use of electronic bulletin boards and similar means

Information Literacy Program Needs Assessment external Internal Formulation of goals and objectives General Terminal Enabling

Information Literacy Program Planning Devising, evaluating and testing Choosing methods and materials Developing materials Staffing Management and conduct Evaluation

Information Literacy Program Client-Centered Program Collaboration with the teacher Reviewing available resources Working out objectives Analysis of the background of clients Instructional possibilities and interventions by the teacher Developing program Evaluating program

Developing Instructional Materials Teaching aids, handouts, exercises, Web materials Criteria readability, simplicity, brevity, accuracy, attractiveness. consistency, flexibility, suitability, cost-effectiveness, ease of use Slides Videos Portals/websites

Integrated Courses Working with instructors Providing instruction which is related to project or term paper Instruction on searching and use of information Combined grading

Independent courses Required or elective courses Combination of computer and information literacy and library skills Needed resources faculty laboratories instructional aids

Advanced Bibliographic Courses Uncommon in academic institutions Meant for graduate students Taught by subject specialists Content covering subject structure, bibliographic tools, searching, documentation, etc.