How much discussion over the definition of a term has been spent on "information literacy". There is much debate over which is the preferred meaning. There is much tweaking and refining. There are new terms that are created. Yet, in essence information literacy is the ability to recognize an information need, locate the information, evaluate it and use the appropriate information effectively. Yes, there are continuing advances in technology and an ever expanding amount of information, but the definition as purported by the ALA back in 1989 is still relevant. Owusu-Ansah (2005) argues that we should get on with the doing, rather than getting bogged down in this debate. Like him I agree that the definitions out there are basically the same.
One model that outlines the process of we seek information is the ISP model here of Carol Kuhlthau. Her model is rather holistic taking into account feelings, not just actions and cognition. Reading over Kuhlthau again, she does make note to the fact that depending on the complexity of the task for the learner, they might not experience all the stages of, in her case the ISP model.
As teachers, it is our ability to know when and how to intervene, so they can get through this zone. I know from experience that there are times when students don't appreciate assistance, be it that they feel you are being obtrusive or that I'm overwhelming them with information.
This, knowing exactly when they are in the zone where where intervention is helpful is a challenge.
Owusu-Ansah, E. (2005). Debating definitions of information literacy: Enough is enough! Library Review, 54(5), 366-374.
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