Information Literacy and Research Guide - Information Literacy Explained
 

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Why is Information Important?

Information is power, especially today.  Most people want to be "information savvy".  After all, learning about information and the research process can enhance your life in many ways.  A person who can function well in the Information Age is referred to as an "Information Literate" person.  Being information literate means: 

  • Learning how to cope with the overwhelming amount of information.
  • Making informed decisions about your life.
  • Being a critical thinker.
  • Being self-reliant (and knowing when you need help).
  • Learning the research process and how to access and use information.
  • Learning how to use technology to your advantage.
  • Enhancing your problem-solving skills.
  • Becoming an informed learner.

Imagine having an information need and knowing exactly how to fill it!  The Information Age does have its challenges.  Did you know that:

  • One Sunday edition of the New York Time contains more information than was encountered in an entire lifetime in the 16th century.

  • In one week today the average person is faced with more decisions than they would have had to make in a lifetime in the 17th Century.

  • Information is doubling every 12 months.

  • There are now billions of sites on the Internet.

How are you going to take advantage of all this information?  How are you going to sort through it and find the good stuff?  In day to day living, we are usually able to filter through all the pieces of information we come in contact with and to pull out what we need to know.  For example, knowing where to get a good burrito or how to find out what's playing at the movies or whose turn it is to do the dishes. 

However, what seems pretty natural for day to day living doesn't always seem to be as easy when it comes time to write a paper or complete a research assignment.

Why is information so important? Read on to become an Information Literate Learner and EMPOWER YOURSELF!

 

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Updated 4 January 2008 by lmw