National Adult Literacy Database

An overview of Information Literacy (IL) is provided to introduce the IL process. A brief overview of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), a system of classifying Canadian occupation is presented, followed by information on Essential Skills (ES) and Essential Skills profiles. These four systems, or structures, were used to find and examine the Essential Skill of Finding Information within the context of Information Literacy in ES profiles of occupations requiring college post-secondary education or apprenticeship training. The occupational areas were determined using previous research documents.

Information Literacy, both as a concept and term, was coined in 1974 by Paul Zurkowski, then president of the Information Industry Association. Originally, the term described the use of library research tools and materials. Over the last 35 years the definition has evolved to include or encompass technology, problem-based learning and thinking skills. The timeline below provides a simple view of some of the major concepts that have impacted on and continue to impact on the concept and definition of Information Literacy.