Why is Information Literacy Important?

Definition of information literacy is not limited to schools and applications, but it is also included in scientific problems such as the writing of research papers and directly in the workplace. Information literacy is also important for effective and enlightened citizens who may affect the lives of many people around the world.

The ability to effectively use information technology to find and manage information, as well as critical assessment and ethical application of this information to solve the problem are part of individual literacy characteristics. Other characteristics of information literacy individuals are inquiring and perseverance to find the conditions necessary for the performance of work.

We live in the information age, "information" is rapidly growing. We offer internet, TV, radio, and other information resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, it does not mean that all of these are worthy or true, just because so much information is so easy and fast to use.

For resources like the Internet, finding high quality information is more difficult than ever. Finding good ones is not necessarily fast. Good ones are not necessarily cheap! (In short, you must be smarter than your typewriter in today's information era - your predecessor - not clumsy!)

To make matters worse, not just that there is not another thing behind that today you just need to learn how to use tomorrow just because you know how to use a specific information technology! Technologies that once seemed to be unique, such as "word processors" and "e-mails" are now common, but for some time they were amazing innovations. (For some of us, they are still there)

Today's employers are looking for people to understand the characteristics of the information age and adapt to it. If students learn how to learn after graduation, they are more attractive candidates. Individuals with information literacy with powerful analytical skills, critical thinking skills and problem solving skills can be flexible, competent and valuable employees.

Why is it important to understand the difference between computer knowledge and information literacy? Information literacy is the ability to organize and analyze data and information literacy differs from computer knowledge in that computer knowledge only includes the ability to use computer software or hardware. Information literacy far exceeds simple technical knowledge of the ability to use computers. Because of the importance of information literacy and the advantages that individuals and organizations can derive from this knowledge it is important to understand these two differences.

Information literacy includes computer knowledge, information inquiries, understanding of information, value creation, and sharing information with others. (Nishimuro, 1999) Information literacy helps problem solving and progress in all industries. Because of its importance, you need to understand the difference between computer knowledge and information literacy. Computer knowledge alone is not enough. There is no information literacy, computer knowledge limits users to technical skills

Information literacy is a series of functions that allow individuals to "recognize when information becomes necessary and effectively find, evaluate, and use necessary information". Information literacy is also becoming increasingly important in today's environment of rapid technological change and rapid increase of information resources. As the complexity of this environment continues to increase, individuals face rich choice of information in academic research, workplaces and personal lives. Access to information through the library, community resources, special interest groups, the media, the Internet - More information is passed on to individuals in unfiltered form and raises questions about its authenticity, validity and reliability . In addition, information is available on a variety of media such as graphics, hearing, text, etc., bringing new challenges for individuals to evaluate and understand.