Information Literacy

What is Information Literacy and Why Does It Matter?

What is Information Literacy?

Information literacy refers to the ability to think critically about information, find information effectively, and use and create information ethically. The Association of College and Research Libraries defines information literacy as "the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning."


Why does information literacy matter?

Information literacy is essential because we live in a world of rapid technological change and proliferating information resources. Because of the complexity of this environment, individuals are faced with diverse, abundant information choices -- in their academic studies, in the workplace and in their personal lives. The uncertain quality and expanding quantity of information pose tremendous challenges for society. The sheer abundance of information will not in itself create a more informed citizenry without complementary abilities that enable us to both think critically about the production and purpose of that information and use that information effectively and ethically.

The librarians at Green River College seek to take an active role in infusing Information Literacy into student learning across campus.

The language of each of the frames has been adapted for Green River College with thanks to the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy, and the independent work of librarians at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Nicole Pagowsky at University of Arizona, the PALNI consortium of colleges in Indiana, and current and former librarians at GRC.

Framework for Information Literacy

Use the tabs on the left of this page to learn more about the key elements, or frames, of information literacy.

Open the links below for pdfs of:

  • The original ACRL Framework for Information Literacy Instruction
  • The previous ACRL Information Literacy Standards