29 May 2007

Information literacy bonds two peak groups

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The Australian Library and Information Association and the Australian School Library Association have announced plans to work more closely together to promote information literacy.

"The two Associations have a long history of collegiate and collaborative activity but rising concerns about information literacy amongst young people has prompted us to consider how we can leverage our professional expertise and resources to advocate more effectively for young Australians," Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association said.

"Library and information professionals in all sectors believe information literacy is the key to breaking the poverty cycle and creating a brighter future for both the individual and the nation," she said.

"The Australian Library and Information Association celebrates 70 years of professional best practice this year, having been established in Canberra in 1937 specifically to ensure the nation's libraries were staffed by professionals of the highest competence. There are now over 1700 public libraries in Australia, plus thousands of school libraries in the government and independent sectors.

"That means there are also literally thousands of library and information sector workers dedicated to supporting the development of information literacy skills amongst our young people."

The Australian School Library Association (ASLA) was established in 1969 as a federation of state and territory groups and acts as the peak forum for teacher librarianship and school library resource services. Their advocacy kit states that effective learning is predicated on information literacy.

"We believe the capability to respond to changing information needs is a critical life skill," said ASLA President, Anette Ainsworth.

"There are now so many more forums for communication and resources available to children and young adults," Ms Ainsworth said. "Effective skills in locating information need to be backed up by critical skills in evaluating that content - not everything we see, read or hear is accurate, and it is essential that young people learn to make these distinctions, " she said.

"We are pleased to be furthering an already close relationship with a view to improving Australian lives."