Information literacy: recognising the need – an introduction

The Government White Paper, January 2003, states that: "As well as improving vocational skills, we need to ensure that all graduates, including those who study traditional academic disciplines, have the right skills to equip them for a lifetime in a fast changing work environment." It is our view that, in addition to offering excellent academic courses, higher education institutions should aim to give students the chance to gain grounding in the skills which will support them in the future, both as citizens and employees. Many notably Bruce (1995) and Bundy (2004) argue that of all these skills, the need to be information literate is essential.