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Information Literacy: The Missing Link in Early Childhood Education

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Abstract

The rapid growth of information over the last 30 or 40 years has made it impossible for educators to prepare students for the future without teaching them how to be effective information managers. The American Library Association refers to those students who manage information effectively as information literate. Information literacy instruction has been a priority in many secondary schools since the American Association of School Libraries published the Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning in 1998. Although these standards were written for grades K-12, information literacy is still not the focus in many early childhood classrooms. This article discusses the importance of information literacy instruction in early childhood education. Research suggests that early information literacy instruction, using informational texts and collaborative, teacher–librarian curriculum planning, promotes critical thinking and increases the ability to problem-solve—two skills necessary for survival in today’s Information Age.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 205 Stabley Library, 429 South Eleventh Street, Indiana, PA, 15705, USA

    Kelly L. Heider

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  1. Kelly L. Heider
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Correspondence to Kelly L. Heider.

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Heider, K.L. Information Literacy: The Missing Link in Early Childhood Education. Early Childhood Educ J 36, 513–518 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-009-0313-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-009-0313-4

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