Develop and Deliver Essential Information Literacy Programs

Abstract

There is an explosion of talk about crucial, new literacies for the 21st Century, for example critical thinking, problem-solving, media literacy, technology literacy, digital literacy, visual literacy. The other day, there was even an article about “gaming literacy!” How does one make sense of it all?The common factor in all these literacies is “information” - information seeking, information use, information processing, information presentation, and information evaluation. And, these “information” elements come together in information literacy: the ability to engage in effective and efficient information problem-solving. Information literacy is the overarching and unifying literacy, and all libraries have a unique and essential role to play in delivering meaningful information literacy programs to people of all ages. In this keynote paper and address, Professor and Dean Emeritus Mike Eisenberg will define the concept and structure of library-based information literacy programs and offer strategies for developing and implementing information literacy programs that are comprehensive(reaching all users), predictable (consistent over time), and accountable(measured and reported).