IRMA 102: Introduction to Information Science Okoro Obinna Jeremiah Information Resources Management Department 08160510169 obi4uk@yahoo.com Office: Information Resources Centre…(BBS)

IRMA 102: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SCIENCE INFORMATION LITERACY

“Over the course of your lifetime, the more you learn and thereby come to know, but especially the sooner you master and adopt proficient learning skills, habits and attitudes – finding out how, from where, from whom and when to search for and retrieve the information that you need to know, but have not yet learned – the more information literate you thereby become. Your competency in applying and utilizing those skills, habits and attitudes will enable you to make sounder and timelier decisions to cope with your personal and family health and welfare, educational, job- related, citizenship and other challenges.” (UNESCO, 2008).

Definition Information Literacy can be defined as the ability to identify what information is needed, understand how the information is organized, identify the best sources of information for a given need, locate those sources, evaluate the sources critically, and share that information.

Definitions Contd. The UK's Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) (2005): Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner.

Definitions Contd. "Information literacy is the adoption of appropriate information behaviour to identify, through whatever channel or medium, information well fitted to information needs, leading to wise and ethical use of information in society.“ (Webber & Johnston, 2003).

Definitions Contd. In summary, Information literacy which is sometimes referred to as information competency/information fluency can be referred to as a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed, and have the ability to identify, locate, evaluate and use the needed information effectively, i.e. the ability to access, evaluate, organize, and use information from a variety of sources.

Characteristics of an Information Literate "To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information“ (American Library Association, 1989). An information literate individual will therefore be able to: Determine the extent of information he/she needs Access the information he/she needs effectively and efficiently Critically evaluate information and its sources

Info. Literate Person Doyle (1992) defined an information literate person as one who: "recognises the need for information; recognises that accurate and complete information is the basis for intelligent decision making; identifies potential sources of information; develops successful search strategies; accesses sources of information, including computer-based and other technologies; evaluates information; organises information for practical application; integrates new information into an existing body of knowledge, and; uses information in critical thinking and problem solving."

Why the Need to be Information Literate Because of the flood of information (Information Overload), users must learn to differentiate between good information and useless information. Information literacy skills are used for academic purposes, such as research papers and group presentations. Users are enabled to recognise and use the various information resources (books, journals, databases, encyclopaedias, etc.) They're used on the job—the ability to find, evaluate, use and share information is an essential skill.

Why the Need to be Information Literate Decision Making: Users learn to evaluate information in order to make an informed decision. E.G. Consumer decisions, such as which car or vacuum cleaner to purchase, are critical..... etc. Empowerment: Users are enabled to become critical users of information and assume greater control over their own learning. You'll also use these skills by participating fully in a democratic society as an informed citizen by understanding issues and voting. Informed health decision etc.