Information literacy, as a concept, has suffered from terminological confusion and has been burdened with untenable expectations. In addition, insufficient attention has been given to the place of information with the context of information behavior or information practices generally. Significant challenges remain to developing information…

The original concept of information literacy (IL) identifies it as an enabler for lifelong learning and learning-to-learn, adaptable and transferable in any learning environment and context. However, practices of IL in electronic information and learning environments (e-environments) tend to question the origins, and workability, of IL on the…

Illustrates how the "Big Six Skills" model of information problem solving (Task Definition, Information Seeking Strategies, Location and Access, Use of Information, Synthesis, and Evaluation) is a perfect match to the influx of technology in student research. Outlines two typical assignments that focus the Big Six perspective on the…

Technological advances have changed our definitions of literacy and our ways of preparing academically literate individuals. Over four years, formal evaluation of a Cornell University (New York) library-based information literacy instruction program and experiments using different instructional models has increased understanding of the concept and…

This report presents the results of a study which explored how patron perceptions and demographics related to keyword/Boolean searching on Indiana State University's (ISU) Library User Information System (LUIS), the online public access catalog (OPAC). Two general theses guide the study: (1) whether the use or non-use of keyword searching on LUIS…

Over the past 20 years, library media professionals have worked to move from teaching isolated library skills to teaching integrated information skills. Effective integration of information skills has two requirements: (1) the skills must directly relate to the content area curriculum and to classroom assignments; and (2) the skills themselves…

A program was designed at the Central Queensland University (Australia) Library to teach on- and off-campus students how to access and explore databases, to encourage skill development through learning exercises, and to facilitate peer interaction and discussion of search strategies and techniques. Student evaluation indicated that the program…

Two activities were undertaken for this examination of the growing potential of school library media programs to promote the development of higher levels of information literacy in college-bound students. First, visits were made to 30 high schools in Massachusetts which differed in their library programs as well as in a wide range of quantitative…