Information Literacy — A Core Competency

Abstract

The Finn Report highlights the need for young people to collect, analyse and organise ideas and information as a key competency within the area of Workplace Language and Communication. This paper redefines the collection, analysis and organisation of ideas and information as a constituent part of the broader concept of information literacy. It is further suggested that information literacy should be identified as a separate key competency which is essential to the development of broad- based skills required for workplace efficiency and the ability to encompass change. The paper describes the competencies required within the field of information literacy as integral to all subject areas and recommends their infusion into the curriculum development process. It is further suggested that the competencies are not exclusive to one educational sector, that they should be developed in a continuum which encompasses the transition from school to work, from school to tertiary education and from tertiary education to work. A recommendation of the paper is that the Mayer Committee pursue the development of an information skills curriculum which would support the continued development of information literacy across all educational sectors. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.