Teaching Information Literacy

In January 2023, New Jersey passed Information Literacy Legislation requiring the creation of information literacy student learning standards. These standards are currently being created by a team of experts in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Education.

NJAC 18A:7F-4.4 states:

a. As used in this act, the term “information literacy” means a set of skills that enables an individual to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information. Information literacy includes, but is not limited to, digital, visual, media, textual and technological literacy.

b. The State Board of Education shall adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards in information literacy. The content of information literacy shall include, at a minimum:

(1) the research process and how information is created and produced;
(2) critical thinking and using information resources;
(3) research methods, including the difference between primary and secondary sources;
(4) the difference between facts, points of view and opinions;
(5) accessing peer-reviewed print and digital library resources;
(6) the economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of information;
and (7) the ethical production of information.

c. Each school district shall incorporate instruction on information literacy in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The school library media specialist shall be included in the development of curriculum concerning information literacy whenever possible.

TRENTON, NJ – September 23, 2024 – The New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University, has announced a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, and LibraryLinkNJ, to help New Jersey’s K-12 public schools and libraries prepare for the state’s forthcoming information literacy standards. In January 2023, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to require that information literacy be taught in public schools. In anticipation of the new information literacy standards, the State Library and partnering agencies have already begun working to develop replicable models and tools for information literacy education and support resources for the public school and library workforce.

“With the constant spread of misinformation, it is more important now than ever for our children to build a strong foundation of information literacy skills,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “It is our responsibility to give our students the tools they need to become critical thinkers and separate fact from fiction. With New Jersey leading the way in information literacy, I am confident that our children will become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens.”

The State Library’s “Reimagining Information Literacy” initiative has an overarching goal of helping certified school library media specialists, public librarians, academic librarians, and teachers across the state, who will support students in learning about information literacy. State law (N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-4.4) defines information literacy as a set of skills that enables an individual to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information. Information literacy includes, but is not limited to, digital, visual, media, textual, and technological literacy.

“Information literacy is more important now than ever before,” said Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “Our students are constantly bombarded with information from digital, media, and technological sources, so equipping them with the skills to discern and evaluate that information is critical to their success both in and out of the classroom. New Jersey is proud to be at the forefront of this effort, as the first state to mandate information literacy instruction in our public schools. The Department of Education is fully committed to supporting our educators and students in this vital initiative, working hand-in-hand with partners like the New Jersey State Library to provide the necessary resources, training, and instructional supports.”

The State Library and its partners will develop online training modules, professional development resources, classroom curriculum, and other support for New Jersey’s public schools and libraries.

“Information literacy is a cornerstone of libraries,” said Jen Nelson, State Librarian, New Jersey State Library. “Now, well into the information age and with the more recent advent of artificial intelligence tools and applications, students of all ages need to effectively evaluate and use information for all aspects of life. New Jersey libraries are committed to working alongside public schools to do this important work.”

This project is made possible in part with $748,588 in funds, provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the New Jersey State Library, IMLS award LG-255048-OLS-23. Questions about “Reimagining Information Literacy” can be directed to Sharon Rawlins of the New Jersey State Library at Email.

Please note: Jen Nelson’s quote has been updated since the original release of this announcement.

Original Press Release by the New Jersey State Library; September 23, 2024

“This opportunity is made possible in part with funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the New Jersey State Library, award number LG-255048-OLS-23. www.imls.gov”

The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.