So what's the big deal with information literacy in the United States?

Abstract

Today's researchers have access to vast information, whether within the library or any place that provides access to the Internet, and frequently the access is free of charge. Such places can include school, home, office, restaurants or coffee houses. Access to information is available from smart and handheld devices such as Smartphones, as well. But now, more than ever a researcher must have a discerning sense of authoritative information. Information seeking has become a rapidly growing trend across society. And as technology continues to evolve, how we seek information and determine its authenticity will present challenges for teaching users how to remain information literate. Additionally, one cannot be information literate without the development of related skills such as critical thinking. Since the United States Department of Labor's well-know SCANS report (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) published in 1991, other organizations have emphasized the need for information literate workers. Such organizations include the National Forum on Information Literacy and Project Information Literacy