The core difference lies in their focus: Information literacy is about the information itself, while digital literacy (often aligned with 'information technology literacy' in modern contexts) is about the tools used to access and interact with information digitally.
Based on the provided reference dated 17-Sept-2024:
- Information Literacy: Defined as "The ability to locate, evaluate and use/apply information." This concept is broad and applies to information in any format, whether print, digital, or otherwise.
- Digital Literacy: Defined as "The ability to use digital technology, networks, and communication tools to find, evaluate, and create information." This is a specific type of literacy focused on the skills needed to handle information within a digital environment using technology.
While the reference does not explicitly define "information technology literacy," the definition provided for "Digital Literacy" closely aligns with the skills and knowledge associated with using technology for information tasks. Therefore, in the context of this reference, we can understand the question as asking for the difference between Information Literacy and Digital Literacy.
Understanding the Distinction
Think of information literacy as the fundamental skill set for navigating the world of information, regardless of the medium. Digital literacy, on the other hand, is the application of those fundamental skills specifically when using digital tools and platforms.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Information Literacy | Digital Literacy (Information Technology Literacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | The Information itself (Finding, Evaluating, Using) | The Technology used to access/handle information (Digital Tools) |
| Medium | Any format (Print, Digital, Audiovisual, etc.) | Primarily Digital Platforms, Networks, and Devices |
| Scope | Broader, foundational skill set for information handling | More specific, focused on the digital environment |
Information Literacy Skills
These skills are timeless and medium-independent:
- Defining an information need clearly.
- Knowing where to look for information (databases, books, websites, people, etc.).
- Evaluating the credibility, relevance, and bias of information sources.
- Organizing and synthesizing information from multiple sources.
- Using information ethically and legally (e.g., citing sources).
Digital Literacy Skills
These skills are essential for navigating the digital world:
- Effectively using search engines and online databases.
- Navigating websites and digital platforms.
- Using software and applications to manage information.
- Understanding digital file formats.
- Communicating and collaborating online (email, forums, social media).
- Recognizing digital security risks and privacy issues.
The Overlap and Relationship
Digital literacy can be seen as a subset or application of information literacy within the digital realm. To be truly effective in the digital age, one needs both. Information literacy provides the critical thinking skills to evaluate digital content, while digital literacy provides the technical skills to access, manipulate, and create that content online.
Examples:
- Information Literacy: Knowing that a source from a peer-reviewed academic journal is generally more reliable for scientific information than a personal blog.
- Digital Literacy: Being able to effectively use an online academic database to search for articles or understanding how to spot a phishing email pretending to be from a trusted source.
In essence, information literacy teaches what to do with information, while digital literacy teaches how to do it using modern technology.
