At UO Libraries we define Information Literacy as
A set of practices that empowers people to critically, effectively, and ethically use and create information to engage with the world personally, professionally, and civically in support of educational goals and to foster continuous learning.
UO Libraries definition of information literacy (IL) is informed by the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (2015) that considers IL as a “set of integrated abilities” and involves multiple literacies, including visual, digital, and data literacies, that we can integrate into disciplinary contexts.
Why is IL important?
Information literacy lies at the core of lifelong learning. "It empowers people in all walks of life to seek, evaluate, use and create information effectively to achieve their personal, social, occupational and educational goals,” according to the UNESCO publication, Beacons of the Information Society: The Alexandria Proclamation on Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning (2005). IL “is a basic human right in a digital world and promotes social inclusion of all nations."
Why does the UO community need IL skills?
Information shapes our world. Information empowers individuals to create and critically use new knowledge for social change, democratic activities, and personal or professional advancement. Information literacy skills help people become confident in finding, evaluating, and using information efficiently and ethically. An information literate individual can navigate information overload and filter bubbles and can look at scientific research through analytical and critical lenses. An information literate society is more just, fair, and open. IL practices can be used to critique ideas and to examine policies and worldviews. IL skills are gained through practice and persistence and shift people from consumers to creators of information who will contribute to ongoing debates in academia and beyond.
To develop information literacy skills, people must have access to information and the space to practice these abilities. UO Libraries provides space, access, and instruction to foster IL skills in support of the educational mission of the University of Oregon.
Find out how to request information literacy instruction for your course.
How Can Librarians Help?
Central to the UO Libraries is to be an integral part of the education of students. We are strategically placed to assist faculty, researchers, staff, and students in all endeavors related to their UO work and beyond. To that end, the UO Libraries IL Learning Outcomes are aligned with the University of Oregon mission and Core Educational and Cultural Literacy Requirements. Librarians can partner with you for online and classroom instruction, course and assignment design, learning assessment, research support, and workshops.
Learning Outcomes
Questions? Please contact Nancy Cunningham.