1. A new definition of Information Literacy
And Information Literacy and Learning Librarian for Aberdeenshire Libraries
Jacqueline Geekie
Public Libraries Representative
CILIP Information Literacy Group

2. CILIP Information Literacy Group
Special Interest Group of CILIP
Current membership approx. 1,500
Special Interest Group of CILIP
Current membership approx. 1,500
Meet 4 times a year at CILIP HQ in London
Journal of Information Literacy
LILAC (Librarians’ Annual Information Literacy Conference)
Bursaries

3. Background to new definition
Why is it needed now?
Why did I want to be involved?
The CILIP Information Literacy Group created this definition for information literacy to update the definition devised by CILIP in It was recognised that the theory and practice of information literacy has evolved considerably since then, and we wanted a definition which reflected those changes. We had been told that the IL definition was one of the most viewed pages and we wanted to make sure the definition was fit for the purpose and felt that as we are the IL Group that we were best placed undertake this piece of work.
We wanted the new definition to feel relevant to more than just HE and be for anyone who uses and handles information, and not just to information professionals.
I wanted to be involved because IL had been viewed as a HE thing and as the Public Libraries Representative on the ILG, I wanted to have the voice of those not in HE heard in the definition.

4. CILIP Information Literacy Definition 2004
"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."

5. Timeline
March 2016 ILG Committee meeting June 2016 Consultation of ILG Members April 2017 Consultation at LILAC August 2017 Definition completed November 2017 CILIP Board approval April 2018 Launch at LILAC in Liverpool
In the March 2016 meeting it was recognised that the IL definition was out of date and a small working group was formed and to report back to the June meeting. In June 2016 we launched the consultation with our members, in April 2017 Jane Secker, our chair and Nick Poole CEO of CILIP ran a session at LILAC. We used all of this information to help form our thinking into the definition.

6. Member Survey feedback 2016
Positive feedback about moving beyond Higher Education
Clear simple language
Acknowledge the world has changed
Digital literacy
E-safety
Copyright awareness
Critical thinking

7. LILAC feedback 2017 Plain language
A definition for all, not just professionals
Informed citizens
"Having the ability to navigate information in an uncertain world"
LILAC 2017 by LILAC Conference is licensed under
(CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

8. What’s new? High level definition Secondary statement Contexts
The role of information professionals
This is not a short definition. It has 4 elements.
High level definition – which can easily be quoted.
Secondary statement – to give supporting information to the definition explaining further what Information Literacy is
Contexts – I’ll come on to in a minute
The role of Information professionals – this is an important element, especially then there has been an erosion in school and public libraries of the professional Librarian. They are needed to advocate, support an and enable information literacy. Librarians don’t just do this in isolation and works best in collaboration with other professionals to embed Information Literacy.

9. Information Literacy and Everyday Life
Checking information online
Online transactions
Behave ethically online
Social media
Digital footprint
Privacy

10. Information Literacy and Citizenship
How to understand the world around us?
Recognise bias and misinformation
Fake news
Critical judgement
Making informed choices in elections and referendums
Fake News and Alternative Facts

11. Information Literacy and Education
All stages of education
School, Further Education and Higher Education
Critical thinking skills
Transition from school to Higher Education
Equips learners with intellectual strategies

12. Information Literacy and the Workplace
Knowing when and how to use information
To help achieve organizational aims
To add value
Interpret work related information
Contributes to employability
Teamworking
Problem solving
Analytical skills

13. Information Literacy and Health
Finding reliable sources of health information
Making it easier (Scotland)
Different techniques to ensure understanding

14. CILIP Definition of Information Literacy 2018
“Information literacy is the ability to think critically and make balanced judgements about any information we find and use. It empowers us as citizens to develop informed views and to engage fully with society.”

15. @infolitgroup @Jacque97
LILAC University of Liverpool April 2018