From user training to information literacy: a proposal for teaching information abilities

Abstract

The conceptual evolution of information services from “user education” entities to “information literacy” ones is analysed. Information literacy is understood in two senses. In the first one, it is the mastering of several skills to obtain, evaluate, use and communicate information through conventional and electronic ways. Secondly, it consists of the service and activities designed to achieve the teaching and learning of the concepts, procedures and attitudes related to information access and use. After formulating the concept of information literacy, several proposals for teaching of information abilities are developed, both in the Educational and in the Library Systems. In the Basic Educational System, besides the intensification of the didactic use of school libraries, it is necessary to provide the teachers with longlife learning and training on this topic, and transform Information Literacy in a cross subject. In higher education, it is necessary to make use of web tutorials for training in the access and use of specialized scientific information, to intensify the cooperation of librarians and faculty, and to regulate user education, integrating it as much as possible as an optional subject in the curricula. (Author)