Informed Societies: Why Information Literacy Matters for Citizenship, Participation and Democracy

In early 21st century societies, individuals and organizations are deluged with information, particularly online information. Much of this is useful, valuable or enriching. But a lot of it is of dubious quality and provenance, if not downright dangerous. Misinformation forms part of the mix. The ability to get the most out of the information flow, finding, interpreting and using it, and particularly developing a critical mindset towards it, requires skills, know-how, judgement and confidence – such is the premise of information literacy. This is true for many aspects of human endeavor, including education, work, health and self-enrichment. It is notably true also for acquiring an understanding of the wider world, for reaching informed views, for recognizing bias and misinformation, and thereby for playing a part as active citizens, in democratic life and society.

This ground-breaking and uniquely multi-disciplinary book explores how information literacy can contribute to fostering attitudes, habits and practices that underpin an informed citizenry. The 13 chapters each come from a particular perspective and are authored by international experts representing a range of disciplines: information literacy itself, but also political science, pedagogy, information science, psychology. This book covers

• why information literacy and informed citizens matter for healthy, democratic societies;
• information literacy’s relationship with political science;
• information literacy’s relationship with human rights;
• how information literacy can help foster citizenship, participation, empowerment and civic engagement in different contexts: school students, refugees,  older people and in wider society;
• information literacy as a means to counter misinformation and fake news; and
• the challenges of addressing information literacy as part of national public policy.