Introducing the Information Literacy Model “Empowering 8” in South Asia with special reference to India and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Information literacy (IL) is the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, organize and effectively create, use and communicate information to address an issue or a problem. It is a basic human right to lifelong learning. Information itself is becoming a transforming strategic resource of the emerging information society. Without information literacy, the information society will not be able to achieve its full potential. Therefore, the concept and practice of information literacy must be promoted from an early age among the school going children. Information literacy is more relevant for the developing nations to enable themselves to bridge the growing info-divide between the developed and the developing nations. In this context, a regional workshop was held at the University of Colombo to create awareness of information skills for learning among the participants from South and Southeast Asian countries.