Information literacy is a critical topic in contemporary pedagogy and information science, it is ranked among the essential competencies for the 21st century, and in recent years, it has received increasing research interest. The problem, however, is that the research is focused mainly on primary and university (college) contexts and only rarely…

More than two decades of debate since the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) adopted the term information literacy have been marked by ongoing criticism of its associated definitions and standards. Some scholars and practitioners have argued for a critical information literacy, which applies the precepts of critical pedagogy to…

Two papers that examine how to assess students' work in this age of electronic information sources include: "Students on the Net: Enhancing Learning through Authentic Assessment" (James Henri); and "Assessing Students' Work from the Net: An Impossible Dream?" (Paul Lupton) The first paper notes the problem of parents doing…

This is the inaugural volume of the Principles and Practice Series which is intended to provide practicing library media professionals with research and theory that are grounded in effective practice. This volume is organized into six sections. Part 1, "Overview," provides an overall context for examination of literacy and learning in an…

The 1990-91 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), provided estimates of library/media center resources and helps to put into perspective the question of the role of libraries/media centers in school reform. Education reform has prompted increased attention to the role school…

Discusses issues involving physical and intellectual access to the Internet. Topics include skills for effective use; the importance of teachers and librarians ensuring full access for students; and a vision of information access needs in the future. The Mankato Internet Skill Rubrics evaluation checklist is appended. (AEF)