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.