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Research Guides

Library Instruction and Course Development Support for Faculty

Why Information Literacy?

Information shapes our world. Information empowers individuals to create and critically use new knowledge for social change, democratic activities, and personal or professional advancement. Information literacy skills help people become confident in finding, evaluating, and using information efficiently and ethically. An information literate individual can navigate information overload and filter bubbles and can look at scientific research through analytical and critical lenses.

An information literate society is more just, fair, and open. IL practices can be used to critique ideas and to examine policies and worldviews. IL skills are gained through practice and persistence and shift people from consumers to creators of information who will contribute to ongoing debates in academia and beyond.