Webber, S. (2003) An international information literacy certificate: opportunity or dead-end? In: World Library and Information Congress: programme and proceedings. 69th IFLA General Conference and Council, August 1st - 9th 2003, Berlin, Germany. The Hague: IFLA
Abstract
This paper presents the case against developing an International Information Literacy Certificate. After defining information literacy (IL) the author identifies that there is diversity amongst those who need to learn about IL, that they have diverse needs and will be in diverse contexts. An individual’s IL needs also change through that person’s lifetime. The author identifies IL as a complex subject and discusses the implications of this complexity for learning, teaching and assessment. The “standards” approach to IL, ennumerating qualities and activities, is criticised. Three examples of a context-sensitive approach to IL education are given (in a university, a workplace and a school). Taking the example of the European Computer Driving Licence, the author argues that IL is like neither driving nor computer competency. It is questioned whether an IL certificate would help to raise the prestige of IFLA and librarians, and problems of consensus and practicality are discussed. The author concludes that the certificate would be a “dead-end”. However, she finishes by confirming that there could still be a role for an IL foundation. She proposes that it starts with an agenda of “IL for the child”, and she confirms the importance of IL in today’s information society.
Metadata
Item Type: | Proceedings Paper |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Information School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Information Studies |
Date Deposited: | 25 Mar 2009 11:51 |
Last Modified: | 19 May 2009 16:19 |
Published Version: | http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla69/papers/199e-Webb... |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | The Hague: IFLA |
Refereed: | Yes |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:8391 |