ERIC Number: ED459717
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2001-Aug
Reference Count: N/A
The Role of Works of Imagination in Preparing Young People for the Information Society.
This paper examines the place of reading in the acquisition of information capability among young people and considers the extent to which this is nurtured and aided by works of the imagination, whether in print or electronic form. Information capability presupposes a range of skills that, in addition to technological skills and the knowledge to use information sources, includes general literacy. The growing literature on information literacy tends to stress the first two requirements. However, a world of information may be physically and politically available, but this is of no value if it cannot be accessed because an individual lacks the ability to read. Today, works of the imagination are not just confined to print; there are many excellent World Wide Web sites providing works of imagination. Works of imagination in electronic format and the use of electronic facilities in accessing and discussing works also make a valuable contribution to achieving information capability. There is evidence in Australia, for example, that such facilities are encouraging more boys to read. A study in the United Kingdom and Australia is proposed to look at the issues outlined and to link these with provision in school and public libraries. (Contains 33 references.) (Author/MES)
Descriptors: Access to Information, Childrens Literature, Elementary Secondary Education, Foreign Countries, Imagination, Information Literacy, Information Skills, Library Role, Public Libraries, Reading Skills, School Libraries, World Wide Web
For full text: http://www.ifla.org.
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia; United Kingdom