Exploring the development of information literacy strategies

Helping people to find, filter and use information properly is now the key task for library and information professionals in the networked world. In higher education, practitioners are taking a broad view of their role and successfully promoting information literacy at an institution-wide strategic level. Research in government organisations indicates a similar opportunity to show how information literacy skills can enable members to achieve personal, social, occupational and educational goals. Strategic engagement with information literacy can take many different forms, ranging from the development of formal and explicit information literacy strategies to the subtle inclusion of abilities represented by the concept in institutional strategy or policy documents and practices. Government library and information specialists can use lessons learned from the university sector to inform the development of their own policies and strategies. A key feature of university information literacy strategies is the way that they use external and internal evidence to relate information literacy to current institutional concerns. A central element of most strategies is the adoption of professional standards, such as the Seven Pillars model of information skills, to facilitate co-ordination and promote consistency across organisations characterised by diversity in practices and attitudes. Another key theme is partnership working, with significant involvement of key stakeholder groups in both developing and delivering strategies, reflecting a commitment to integrate information literacy in the core work of the organisation. Many strategies also emphasise raising awareness of the concept and staff development to equip information professionals for their roles as trainers and educators