Information literacy, statistical literacy and data literacy
By Milo Schield1
Introduction
The evaluation of information is a key element in information literacy, statistical literacy and
data literacy. As such, all three literacies are inter-related. It is difficult to promote information
literacy or data literacy without promoting statistical literacy. While their relative importance
varies with one’s perspective, these three literacies are united in dealing with similar problems
that face students in college. More attention is needed on how these three literacies relate and
how they may be taught synergistically. All librarians are interested in information literacy;
archivists and data librarians are interested in data literacy. Both should both consider teaching
statistical literacy as a service to students who need to critically evaluate information in arguments.
Information Literacy
The need for information literacy has been highlighted in the US by several organizations
including the American Library Association (ALA). In 1989 a call for information literacy was
issued by the ALA Presidential Committee on Information Literacy.2
In 1989, the National
Forum on Information Literacy3
was formed. And in 1998, the ALA/ACRL (Association of
College and Research Libraries) issued a progress report.4
Each organization and each report
had some differences in their approach to information literacy. But one element was common to
all – the need for the critical evaluation of information.
The ALA and ACRL issued a set of information literacy competency standards for higher
education.5
Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is
needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information."
An information literate individual is able to: (1) Determine the extent of information needed,
(2) Access the needed information effectively and efficiently, (3) Evaluate information and its
sources critically, (4) Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base, (5) Use
information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose, and (6) Understand the economic,
legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information
ethically and legally.
In their presentation of the standards for information literacy, the American Association of
School Librarians Association (AASL) for Educational Communications and Technology
presented evaluation as one of three standards6
, and identified several related indicators.
Standard 2 The student who is information literate evaluates information critically
and competently.
The student who is information literate weighs information carefully and wisely to determine
its quality. That student understands traditional and emerging principles for assessing the accuracy, validity, relevance, completeness, and impartiality of information. The student applies these principles insightfully across information sources and formats and uses logic and
informed judgment to accept, reject, or replace information to meet a particular need.