# information literacy

> set of abilities to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information

**Wikidata**: [Q679789](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q679789)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_literacy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/information-literacy

## Summary
Information literacy is the set of abilities to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. It is a specialized form of literacy that enables individuals to navigate digital and information-rich environments with critical thinking and practical skills.

## Key Facts
- Information literacy is a subclass of literacy, which includes the ability to read for knowledge, write coherently, and think critically about the written word, as well as the ability to read, write, and use arithmetic.
- It is closely related to data literacy, which involves collecting, managing, evaluating, and applying data with critical thinking skills.
- Information literacy is associated with a sitelink count of 36 and includes aliases such as "information behavior."
- It is connected to various specialized forms of literacy, including visual literacy, political literacy, AI literacy, scientific literacy, multiliteracy, and metaliteracy.
- Information literacy is documented in knowledge organization systems like the Open Science Thesaurus and is linked to entities such as the Agency for Mass Education, Kano State, and Little Free Library.
- It has specific properties and identifiers, including a Library of Congress Subject Heading (sh00007046) and a Medical Subject Heading (D058980).
- Information literacy is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world and promoting social equity in an increasingly data-driven and digital society.

## FAQs
### What is the definition of information literacy?
Information literacy is the set of abilities to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. It is a specialized form of literacy that enables individuals to navigate digital and information-rich environments with critical thinking and practical skills.

### How does information literacy relate to other types of literacy?
Information literacy is closely related to data literacy, which involves collecting, managing, evaluating, and applying data with critical thinking skills. It is also connected to various specialized forms of literacy, including visual literacy, political literacy, AI literacy, scientific literacy, multiliteracy, and metaliteracy.

### What organizations and events are associated with information literacy?
Information literacy is associated with entities such as the Agency for Mass Education, Kano State, and Little Free Library. It is also connected to events like International Literacy Day, which was declared by UNESCO to highlight the importance of literacy.

### What are the key properties and identifiers of information literacy?
Information literacy has specific properties and identifiers, including a Library of Congress Subject Heading (sh00007046), a Medical Subject Heading (D058980), and a sitelink count of 36. It is also included in knowledge organization systems like the Open Science Thesaurus.

## Why It Matters
Information literacy is a foundational skill that empowers individuals to access knowledge, communicate effectively, and participate fully in society. It is essential for personal development, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. Information literacy enables individuals to think critically, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of the modern world. It is a key factor in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and promoting social equity. In an increasingly data-driven and digital society, information literacy—including specialized forms like data literacy and digital literacy—is crucial for ensuring that individuals can understand, evaluate, and use information effectively.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized form of literacy that enables individuals to navigate digital and information-rich environments with critical thinking and practical skills.
- Being closely related to data literacy, which involves collecting, managing, evaluating, and applying data with critical thinking skills.
- Having a sitelink count of 36 and including aliases such as "information behavior."
- Being connected to various specialized forms of literacy, including visual literacy, political literacy, AI literacy, scientific literacy, multiliteracy, and metaliteracy.
- Being documented in knowledge organization systems like the Open Science Thesaurus and linked to entities such as the Agency for Mass Education, Kano State, and Little Free Library.
- Having specific properties and identifiers, including a Library of Congress Subject Heading (sh00007046) and a Medical Subject Heading (D058980).
- Being essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world and promoting social equity in an increasingly data-driven and digital society.

## Body

### Definition and Scope
Information literacy is defined as the set of abilities to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. It is a specialized form of literacy that enables individuals to navigate digital and information-rich environments with critical thinking and practical skills. Information literacy is classified as a subclass of literacy, which includes the ability to read for knowledge, write coherently, and think critically about the written word, as well as the ability to read, write, and use arithmetic.

### Specialized Forms of Literacy
Information literacy is closely related to various specialized forms of literacy, each focusing on specific abilities and contexts:

- **Visual Literacy**: The ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image.
- **Political Literacy**: Abilities needed for an effective electorate.
- **New Literacies**: Emerging forms of literacy in the digital age.
- **AI Literacy**: The ability to understand, use, monitor, and critically reflect on AI applications.
- **Data Literacy**: The ability to collect, manage, evaluate, and apply data with critical thinking skills. It is closely related to digital literacy and is considered a fundamental competency in the modern information age.
- **Scientific Literacy**: The ability to understand science; knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes.
- **Multiliteracy**: An aspect of media studies.
- **Metaliteracy**: The ability to evaluate information.

### Related Entities
Information literacy is connected to various organizations, events, and notable individuals:

- **Agency for Mass Education, Kano State**: A state education agency in Nigeria, established on April 1, 1980.
- **Little Free Library**: An organization for outdoor book exchange boxes, founded in 2009 and based in the United States.
- **International Literacy Day**: A celebration declared by UNESCO on October 26, 1966, to highlight the importance of literacy.
- **Chioma Okereke**: A Nigerian novelist known for her contributions to literature.
- **Frank Laubach**: A Christian missionary (1884–1970) known for his work in literacy education.

### Properties and Identifiers
Information literacy is associated with specific identifiers and classifications, including:

- **Library of Congress Subject Heading**: sh00007046.
- **Medical Subject Heading**: D058980.
- **Sitelink Count**: 36.
- **Open Science Thesaurus**: Included as a described entity.
- **Various Academic and Library Classifications**: Including identifiers from the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, and other knowledge organization systems.

### Significance and Impact
Information literacy is a foundational skill that empowers individuals to access knowledge, communicate effectively, and participate fully in society. It is essential for personal development, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. Information literacy enables individuals to think critically, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of the modern world. It is a key factor in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and promoting social equity. In an increasingly data-driven and digital society, information literacy—including specialized forms like data literacy and digital literacy—is crucial for ensuring that individuals can understand, evaluate, and use information effectively.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=47753)
3. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q678344)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. UMLS 2023
6. Quora
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
8. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
9. Wikibase TDKIV