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The document discusses the significance of information literacy in today's society, emphasizing its role in critical media consumption, educational success, civic engagement, workplace competence, and lifelong learning. It highlights the necessity for individuals to discern credible information amidst misinformation, particularly in the context of the digital age. The conclusion asserts that as society becomes more digital, the demand for effective information literacy education will continue to increase.

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3 views3 pages

Information

The document discusses the significance of information literacy in today's society, emphasizing its role in critical media consumption, educational success, civic engagement, workplace competence, and lifelong learning. It highlights the necessity for individuals to discern credible information amidst misinformation, particularly in the context of the digital age. The conclusion asserts that as society becomes more digital, the demand for effective information literacy education will continue to increase.

Uploaded by

ephraimlincoln919
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NAME:EPHRAIM LINCOLN ODOYO

ADM NO:BED/1034/2024

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

UNIT:INFORMATION LITERACY

CODE:UCC 1000

LECTURER ;MR:PETER KINYUA

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

The Role of Information Literacy in Our Society

Information literacy is increasingly essential in today’s information-driven society where individuals


must navigate a vast array of data and media. Defined as the ability to recognize when information is
needed and to locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information (American Library Association,
2000), information literacy encompasses critical thinking, digital literacy, and the skills required to
discern credible sources from misinformation.

Importance of Information Literacy

1. Critical Consumption of Media

The proliferation of misinformation and “fake news” exacerbated by social media platforms makes
information literacy a critical skill for distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources. For
instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals faced a surge of health information, some of which
was misleading or erroneous (Fridman, Gritsenko, tan, & Okan, 2020).

2. Educational Success

Information literacy plays a vital role in education, where students are expected to conduct research
and present well-informed arguments. A study by Head & Eisenberg (2009) indicates that students often
struggle to find and evaluate information effectively, highlighting a need for instructional support in
developing IL skills.
3. Empowerment and Civic Engagement

An informed citizenry is vital for a functioning democracy. According to the National Forum on
Information Literacy (n.d.), information-literate individuals participate more effectively in civic activities
and community service. For example, voters who actively seek out credible information regarding
candidates and policies are better equipped to make informed choices in elections.

4. Workplace Competence

Many employers now seek individuals who are information literate. Notably, a report from the
Association of College and Research Libraries (2015) indicates that information literacy is critical for
students entering the workforce as they must be able to evaluate the credibility of information and
apply it effectively in making business decisions.

5. Lifelong Learning

Information literacy is not a static skill but one that evolves with technological advancements.
Continuous learning about new tools and methodologies is essential. For example, as data literacy
becomes more crucial in various industries, individuals must adapt their information literacy skills to
include data analysis and interpretation (Mandinach & Gummer, 2016).

Conclusion

In conclusion, information literacy is a fundamental aspect of modern society, empowering individuals


to interact critically with the wealth of information available. It fosters educated decision-making in
personal, academic, and professional domains and underpins democratic engagement. As we progress
into an increasingly digital future, the need for effective information literacy education will only grow.

References

American Library Association. (2000). *Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher
Education*. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetency.

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