Information Literacy: Not just a buzzword When the term “information literacy” emerged in the library field, many believed it was merely another round of changing buzzwords. For a field that was in the throes of switching terminology from “bibliographic instruction” to “library instruction,” this was understandable. However, information literacy is much more than bibliographic instruction or library instruction. As defined by the Association of College and Research Libraries and many other groups and institutions, information literate people can identify their information need, identify sources to use to find pertinent information, use those resources efficiently, locate the information, evaluate it critically, and use it ethically. Information literacy also emphasizes helping people to become lifelong learners. It also encourages training and practice in research and information seeking as a whole process, from definition of topic to finding information, from evaluating the information to communicating it to others. For librarians, information literacy has provided a chance to transform source-based library or bibliographic instruction, which in the past often provided students with a set of print or electronic library resources instead of teaching them how to locate the materials themselves. The tenets of information literacy provide possibilities for programs which will equip people with the tools they need to seek information – not just for the immediate project, but for any future information need in any area. Information literacy programs give librarians a chance to work with faculty to design and deliver more cohesive instruction sessions which incorporate critical thinking and encourage transferability of skills. Given this era of information overload, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. Incorporating information literacy components into existing curricula allow students to learn more than just which link to click or where the library keeps the magazine. For example, from a partnership of the librarian and the instructor, students can learn how to identify and refine a search strategy, use print and electronic sources to locate information, learn to evaluate sources for authority, credibility, bias and currency, learn to cite materials, and finally, have an opportunity to use the information for a paper or presentation. With an emphasis on skills and strategy rather than sources, it is more likely that students will retain and transfer their skills to projects for other courses or to real-life information needs. The articles included in this issue pull together a variety of approaches to information literacy. From smaller community college settings to larger research universities, librarians across the United States and Canada are working together and with faculty to provide more meaningful experiences for students. These authors have provided examples of programs which can serve as models for other libraries and have raised issues which many of us face. I hope that librarians find these articles useful, but also that teaching faculty are inspired to work with the librarians at their institutions in new ways. Elizabeth Blakesley Lindsay Literature & Languages Librarian and Instruction Coordinator University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth Endnote Selected sources for information literacy definitions: Association of College and Research Libraries. (2000). Information literacy standards for higher education. Retrieved 7 November 2002 from http://www.ala.org/acrl/ilcomstan.html Grassian, E. & Kaplowitz, J. (2001). Information literacy instruction: Theory and practice. New York: Neal-Schuman. Information literacy definitions. (n.d.). Retrieved 7 November 2002 from http://www.ucalgary.ca/library/ILG/litdef.html Information literacy definitions. (2002). Retrieved 7 November 2002 from http://libweb.sfasu.edu/ref/clue2/definitions.htm Information literacy for the information age. (2001). Retrieved 7 November 2002 from http://www.big6.com/ Smith, D. (2000). Directory of online resources for information literacy: Definitions of information literacy and related terms. Retrieved 7 November 2002 from http://www.cas.usf.edu/lis/il/definitions.html 
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