P3 Information literacy and communication

Information literacy (IL) represents a widely debated issue and its importance is being increasingly recognised in the field of LIS even though different definitions, interpretations and priorities exist, which are related to various perspectives (school, Universities, public libraries) and cultural contexts. This panel discussion aims at sharing opinions and experiences from different European countries at different levels: IL policy, research and practice, assessment and evaluation. The panelists will share their opinions and experiences and will answer to some of the questions below. Participants will have the opportunity to ask some more questions and express their opinions as well. Information Literacy: What is it and why do we need it? How information literacy supports people’s learning? Has learning anything to do with library activities? Policy: What is the situation of European countries in terms of IL policy? Which strategies are being adopted in order to support people towards the acquisition of information skills at a national and local level? Librarians’ role and competence needed: Which is librarians’ role in the Information Literacy environment? Which competence do librarians need to support learners? Which educational opportunities exist in European countries for the acquisition of such competencies? Is librarians’ “teaching” role recognised? Users and activities: Which kind of support do users need in order to become information literate? Which are the activities and methodology that better respond to users’ learning needs? Are international models and standards really helpful or can they be also a barrier? What relationship does it exist between models and experience? Assessment and research: What is the real impact of IL on student learning? How can we measure and assess the effectiveness of IL activities? Which evidence can we provide of the value of IL?