What is Information Literacy?
Let’s be real—there is a lot of information out there. You see it on TikTok, YouTube, Google, Instagram, Reddit, and even in your textbooks. But how do you know what’s true, what’s fake, or what’s just someone’s opinion? That’s where information literacy comes in.
So… What Is Information Literacy?
Information literacy means knowing how to:
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Find the information you need,
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Figure out if it’s true and trustworthy,
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And use it in the right way.
It’s kind of like having a superpower for school and life. You don’t need to memorize all the answers—you just need to know how to search smart and think critically.
Why Should You Care?
Here are five big reasons why information literacy is important for you right now (yes, even in high school):
1. You Make Smarter Decisions
Imagine you’re looking up advice on healthy eating, colleges, or news about something going on in the world. If you find a TikTok that looks cool but it’s full of false info, that can hurt you. Information literacy helps you double-check facts before you believe or share them.
2. You Save Time
Instead of scrolling for hours and clicking on sketchy sites, you learn how to search smarter. That means using keywords (important search words), filters (tools that help you narrow results), and reliable sources (trusted places like news outlets, databases, or experts). Less time wasted = more time for things you actually enjoy.
3. You Don’t Get Fooled
Some websites or videos try to trick you into believing something that isn’t true—on purpose. This might be for money, attention, or politics. If you don’t look closely at who made it, why they made it, and what sources they used, you might fall for a scam or spread false info.
That’s why we ask:
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Who wrote this?
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What’s their goal?
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Can I check their facts?
That’s called evaluating sources—and it’s a key part of information literacy.
4. You Avoid Plagiarism
When you do a research paper, speech, or slideshow and you borrow ideas or quotes, you have to give credit. That’s called a citation—it means saying where you got the information. Citing your sources helps you avoid plagiarism, which is when someone copies someone else’s work without giving credit. (And yes, that can get you in trouble at school or even later in life!)
5. You Grow Your Brain
When you ask questions, look for answers, and compare ideas, your brain actually gets better at thinking. Critical thinking (that means thinking carefully and asking smart questions) helps you in every class—and even in real-life decisions like choosing a job, voting, or understanding contracts.
Real Talk: You Use Info Every Day
Even if you don’t think about it, you’re already searching and sharing information all the time:
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Googling a video game guide
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Reading reviews before buying shoes
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Looking up song lyrics
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Watching news about current events
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Researching for a class project
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could tell what’s legit and what’s not every time?
Here's How You Can Get Better at Information Literacy:
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Use your school library’s databases instead of random Google results.
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Check if the website ends in .edu (education), .gov (government), or .org (nonprofit).
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Ask, “Who wrote this and why?”
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Talk to your librarian or teacher if you’re not sure something is trustworthy.
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Always cite your sources!
Final Thoughts
Information literacy is about more than just schoolwork. It’s about protecting yourself, staying informed, and being in control of what you believe and share.
In a world where anyone can post anything, being information literate helps you stay sharp. It's a skill you’ll use for the rest of your life.
Need help finding reliable sources or checking if something’s true? Come talk to me in the library—we’ve got tools, tips, and friendly humans ready to help. 😄📚