Information literacy: An exploration

Abstract

One area concerned with the impact of information technology which appears to be relatively under-developed is to do with the use of information. The concept of 'information literacy' has been suggested by some to be of some use, but its content is often not defined. The use of the term in literature derived from both Computing and Library Studies is examined but found to be wanting. The areas which such a concept would need to cover are outlined, with an emphasis being placed on links with the process of knowledge creation. Such links, it is argued, make a simplistic conception of little value. Integration with the practice of knowledge formation is emphasised and some suggestions made as to how this might be achieved. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.