History of the concept

• Information literacy first appeared in print in a 1974

report ("The Information Service Environment
Relationships and Priorities. Related Paper No. 5")
written on behalf of the National Commission on
Libraries and Information Science by "Mr
Information Literacy", Paul G. Zurkowski, who was
at the time president of the Information Industry
Association (1969-1989), in Washington D.C.

• He used this phrase to describe the “techniques

and skills” known by the information literate” for
utilizing the wide range of information tools as well
as primary sources in molding information solutions
to their problems”.
“...the ability to locate, evaluate, and use
effectively the needed information.”

Association of College amd Research Librares (ACRL)

INFORMATION
 1st Component:

KNOW YOUR INFORMATION NEED

The information literate can identify the

nature and extent of information needed.

Academic Examples: Real World Examples:

• writing a thesis statement
• check requirements needed before
you conduct your research
• creating a timeline and plan to
complete a research paper
• reading background information
on a topic before researching
• recognizing the difference
between a library database and a
website
• devising a search strategy to find
information on buying a new
home
• identifying the difference between
a published court decision and an
article about the court case
• deciding to search for the most
current information available on a
medical procedure
 2nd Component:

ACCESS THE NEEDED INFORMATION

The information literate can find

needed information effectively and efficiently.

Academic Examples: Real World Examples:

• finding an article from the library
databases
• knowing how to utilize your library
catalog
• choosing keywords and phrases to
use in a library catalog search
• locating a book on the library
shelves by its call number
• using Boolean terms (AND, OR,
NOT) when searching online (e-
journals, e-books, etc.)
• locating a website written by a
credible botanist to help identify
wildflowers
• searching public archives for
information on local history
• requesting genealogical records
through interlibrary loan
• accessing a government website
for local crime statistics
 3rd Component:

EXAMINE INFORMATION SOURCES

CIRITCALLY

The information literate can evaluate

information and its sources critically.

Academic Examples: Real World Examples:

• summarizing the main ideas and
choosing relevant information of
an article or book
• exploring different sources of
information (web, books,
databases) to understand a topic
and determine accuracy, currency,
reliability
• analyzing the structure and logic
of arguments made in lectures
and speeches
• researching the claims made in a
political ad on television
• scrutinizing a Wikipedia article for
accuracy
• checking a website for currency of
updates
• evaluating fake news from the
internet
 4th Component:

USE INFORMATION EFFECTIVELY

The information literate can apply

information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

Academic Examples: Real World Examples:

• integrating a direct quotation from • referencing experts to support a
a reference book into a research point during a discussion
paper • communicating the findings of a
• selecting information needed for patent search to potential product
your reaserach and organizing investors
your ideas
• using images from a database to
prepare a group Powerpoint
presentation
 5th Component:

USE INFORMATION ETHICALLY

The information literate can acknowledge sources of information and the

ethical, legal, and socio-economic issues surrounding information.

Academic Examples: Real World Examples:

• citing an information source in the
text of a research paper
• creating a works cited page or
bibliography
• understanding what constitutes
plagiarism
• utilizing Fair Use and copyright
guidelines
• obtaining permission before
copying a news story to a blog
• giving attribution to a reposted
image on a website
• recognizing limits and protections
of free speech and censorship on
television
• downloading legally purchased
music
 Resources:

Badke, W. (2017, May 19). Foundations of Information Literacy: Learning From Paul Zurkowski.
Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293703989_Foundations_of_
information_literacy_Learning_from_paul_zurkowski

Chan Yuen-Chin, M. (n.d.). Rethinking information literacy – a study of Hong Kong University
students. [Slideplayer presentation]. Retrieved from http://slideplayer.com/slide/5143601/

Martin, N.A. (2014). 5 components of literacy. [Prezi presentation]. Retrieved from

https://prezi.com/s7xnb-bgrujk/5-components-of-information-literacy/

[USCUpstateLibrary]. (2017, August 30). Information literacy skills [Video File]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69oCdkWfjvk