Information literacy for public libraries

Abstract

The ability to read and write in order to make critical and analytical meaning of what has been read is important. However, with the rapid changing environment where information is abundant in a variety of media and the quality of information uncertain, one needs more than these literacy skills and competencies to survive in today’s technological world. Today’s world requires individuals to be information literate, possessing the skills and abilities to locate, evaluate, use and communicate information in an ethical manner in order to participate in societal affairs and to have an informed opinion about problems occurring locally, nationally or internationally. Information literacy forms the basis of life-long learning which encompasses all forms of learning through formal, non-formal and informal settings. This paper addresses the importance of information literacy and life-long learning in our world today and establishes the need for public libraries to rethink and renew their roles in enhancing them as society is rapidly changing. A profile of the Ghana Library Authority, the institution responsible for public, school and college libraries in Ghana is presented. The services and challenges of the Authority are also highlighted. Based on these, strategies for promoting information literacy in public libraries in Ghana are recommended.