International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL) 2019

It was a great pleasure for us to attend the International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL). Once again we extend our gratitude to the Library Management and to all Library staff members involved in our Conference attendance arrangements. The Conference took place 23-26 September 2019 at North-West University, Vanderbijl Park Campus. The Conference was attended by Bulelwa Mandubu, Gerda Ehlers and Sonja Delport.

Many papers dealt with how academic institutions apply ACRL Information Literacy standards in their information literacy programs. There were also many other interesting topics related to information literacy. Topics such as meta-literacy, media literacy, the fourth Industrial Revolution, health information and the use of new information communications technology, workplace research in information literacy and knowledge management.

Highlights for us at this Conference were meta information literacy, information literacy standards, information literacy and workplace practices.

Meta-literacy includes all the different types of literacies.  It was interesting to note that media information literacy is identified as the new literacy of the 21st century.  Media information literacy is a blend of media literacy and information literacy that share common aspects such as culture, education and ethics. Students need to be aware of various media so that they can use reliable sources for specific situations and identify fake news.

As practising information specialists we need to consider a variety of literacies when we offer information sessions and establish a link between information literacy (IL) and workplace practices.