Caroline Lilyard: March 2011 Archives

UNESCO's Information for All Programme (IFAP) has published a  paper providing a basic conceptual framework for measuring information literacy. Entitled Towards information literacy indicators, the publication includes a definition of information literacy; a model that links information literacy with other adult competences, such as ICT skills; and a description of information literacy standards in education.

The development of indicators of information literacy is a priority at both national and international levels. Information literacy underpins many of the Millennium Development Goals, for instance, combating diseases and enhancing employment opportunities.

The Millennium Development Goals have 8 broad areas targeted for achievement by 2015:

• Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
• Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
• Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women
• Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
• Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
• Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases
• Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
• Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

I normally think of Information Literacy as an activity in education, but this report states its importance in progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals, a much broader framework. Could organizations export information literacy training in the way they deliver humanitarian aid for other needs?

Is information literacy a human right? We will be discussing this at the Current Issues Coffee Club on March 23rd.

Article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Right, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948 states "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions with interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers "  

FAIFE, or Committee of Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression was created within IFLA to defend and promote the basic human rights defined in Article 19. FAIFE monitors the state of intellectual freedom within the library community world-wide, supports IFLA policy development and co-operation with other international human rights organizations, and responds to violations of free access to information and freedom of expression.

FAIFE supports and co-operates with relevant international bodies, organizations or campaigns such as UNESCO, PEN International, Article XIX, Index on Censorship, IFEX and Amnesty International. 

What part did Article 19 play in recent uprisings in Arab countries, if any? Is social media an organizing and information dissemination tool only, or part of the new frontier in realizing Article 19 of the UDHR?