Information literacy

Definition

Information literacy is the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information. It encompasses critical thinking skills that allow individuals to discern credible sources, especially in a media landscape filled with diverse formats and viewpoints.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Information literacy is essential for navigating both print and digital media effectively, helping individuals make informed decisions based on reliable information.
2. In journalism, information literacy underpins ethical reporting practices by ensuring that journalists verify facts and source their information responsibly.
3. With the rise of new media platforms, being information literate has become increasingly important for understanding how to discern quality information amidst misinformation and disinformation.
4. Information literacy skills are vital for academic success, as they enable students to conduct thorough research and critically assess sources for assignments.
5. Educators emphasize information literacy to prepare students for a world where they must continually evaluate the credibility of information in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Review Questions

• How does information literacy influence an individual's ability to navigate print media such as newspapers and magazines?
  • Information literacy enhances an individual's capacity to critically engage with print media by allowing them to assess the reliability of articles, understand the intent behind various publications, and discern biased or sensationalized reporting. This skill set enables readers to not just consume information passively but actively question sources and validate facts presented in newspapers and magazines.
• Discuss the role of information literacy in upholding the principles of journalism and how it affects public trust.
  • Information literacy is crucial in journalism as it fosters ethical standards such as accuracy, fairness, and accountability. Journalists equipped with strong information literacy skills are better able to investigate claims, verify facts, and provide context in their reporting. This adherence to high standards of information quality ultimately strengthens public trust in media outlets by ensuring that audiences receive reliable news.
• Evaluate how the increasing importance of new media literacies relates to the need for robust information literacy skills in today's digital environment.
  • The rise of new media has transformed how we access and consume information, making robust information literacy skills more critical than ever. In a landscape filled with user-generated content, social media posts, and instant news updates, being able to discern credible from non-credible sources is paramount. The interplay between new media literacies and information literacy ensures individuals can navigate this complex environment while maintaining a critical perspective on the quality and reliability of the information they encounter.

Related terms

media literacy: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms, fostering critical thinking about media messages and their impact.

digital literacy:

The capability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using digital technologies, including the internet and other online platforms.

source evaluation:

The process of assessing the credibility, relevance, accuracy, and reliability of information sources before using them.