At SUNY Cortland, information literacy has been linked with computer literacy and technological proficiencies. The campus definitions must incorporate that outlook. Moreover, the campus definitions of information literacy will align themselves with the All Student Learning Goal and the College Mission statement.
Information literacy is an overarching term that incorporates all of the ways learners process data into knowledge and wisdom. This data can take many forms including the written word, pictures, sound and electronically conveyed data. The ability to perceive a need for information, to locate the information, to organize the information, to evaluate and process the information and then to articulate it in a way that is understood by the audience of the learner are all part of information literacy. This includes an understanding of the process of research so that the learner becomes an efficient and effective scholar. The ability to contextualize the data and information into their understanding of society is also part of this process and that is when competency becomes fluency. An information fluent learner has the ability to recognize an information need; design and develop a search strategy; deploy the search in an effective manner; organize the materials; articulate in writing or speaking the knowledge gained from the information. An information fluent learner understands the impact of information and technology on individual lives and on society as a whole.
Computer literacy: basic computer use including data entry (keyboarding), basic software use, file organization and internet navigation
Technological fluency: an understanding of the implications of computer use and the role of instructional technology in society
Information literacy: the ability to recognize an information need, to locate information, to organize information, and to evaluate information in relation to the need
Information fluency: the ability to effectively and efficiently use information and understand its role in their lives and in society.
For more information on information literacy and the competencies associated with it, see Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. Association of College and Research Libraries, 2000.