Public Library: Information Literacy Skills

1. Public Library: Information Literacy Skills NoushiaParveen Lecturer, Deptt of Library and InformationScience CSJM University, Kanpur(U.P) noushia.khan@gmail.com Mobile-9997183427

2. CONTENT • Abstract • Introduction • Information Literacy • Types of Information Literacy • Objectives • Information Literacy Skills provided by Public Library • Laws of Library Science helpful in promoting Information Literacy • Challenges • Conclusion

3. Abstract • Information in itself has no value, but its value lies in its communication and use. There is a broad view of how to use material from huge array of resource and area to support a growing picture of relationships and areas to support literacy and technology. Present article describes the role of public library in promoting information literacy skills. As public libraries are the most economical and effective medium to provide life long education, adequate information and healthy recreation to one and all has been gathering impetus. Here, the goal is to prepare users early on to "learn how to learn" and carry literary skills into other areas of their lives so that they can be independent seekers and consumers of information throughout their live. Information literacy requires not only the learning of a constellation of skills, but also a new way of thinking in order to derive meaning from learning. Present articles includes various aspect of Information literacy including its concept, types of information literacy, objectives, literacy skills provided by public library, role of five laws in promoting it and issues to be faced in the whole process. • KEYWORDS: Information Literacy, Literacy Skills, Public Library, Types of Information Literacy.

4. Introduction • Information literacy is the successful grassroots effort of people around the globe. • Basic information literacy skills call for accessing, evaluating and using information from a variety of sources efficiently and effectively for survival in the information age. • Information learning activities are the part of general education programs including statement regarding use of libraries, computing, information learning and how all these activities prove helpful in making them information literate. • Information literacy skills are essential to produce a workforce of flexible, life long learners, which is increasingly a prerequisite to economic development. • Public libraries are providing proper shape to intellectual output of the people and results in the most productive usage of them.

5. Information Literacy • To be information literate, person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information. • Information literacy flows from creation to disseminate the information. A Literate person should have the guts to realize when and how to use required information in an appropriate manner. • The concept of information literacy emphasis on the ability to dissect and understand what we see or what we hear (regardless of its format), to sort, to discriminate, to select and to analyze the array of message that are presented.

6. Types of Information Literacy Visual Literacy Computer Literacy Technical Literacy Media Literacy Library Literacy

7. Objectives of Public Library to Information Literacy Skills • Generic programs to develop transferable information literacy skills • Support the research needs • Self-directed learning • Essential expertise • Make the resources flexible • Accurate information from a large complex collection • Qualitative information • Expansion of knowledge • Appreciation for life long learning • Assist in problem solving activities

8. Information Literacy skills provided by Public Library • Right of Access to Information • Exposure to Environment • Decision Making • Recreation • Unrestricted Information • Communication Skills • Delight of Release • Promoting Awareness • Need Driven • Information Finding

9. How Laws of Library Science are helpful in promoting Information Literacy Skills in PublicLibrary • Books are for Use (Skills to ensure maximum use of Information ) • Every Reader his/ her Book (Skills to develop understanding by providing required information) • Every Book its Reader (Skills to publicize Library collection and services) • To Save the Time of Reader (Skills to provide timely information) • Library is a Growing Organism (Skills to increase number of user to make them literate)

10. Challenges: Information Literacy • Information Explosion • Technological Aspect • Lack of Coordination • Low Literacy Rate • Financial Constrain • Inadequate Time Involved

11. Conclusion The concept of information literacy which advocates the preparation of people to be successful users of information, addresses the concern librarian have with the evolving nature of information sources and the overwhelming amount of information available. Information literacy is necessary expansion of the traditional notion of literacy a response to the revaluation in which we are living. The global nature of human interaction makes the ability to access and use information crucial. Current and future reforms efforts should address the rapidly changing nature of information technologies. Public libraries will have to coordinate more closely with organizing bodies and other learning sites to ensure sufficient access to information resources and technology for all ages and abilities to remain a strong community resource for lifelong education.

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