Information literacy as a facilitator of ethical practice in the professions

Abstract

To be information literate allows professionals to be aware of and able to locate, correctly interpret and apply research evidence, professional guidelines and other key sources in a full and complete manner, in a way that promises to achieve the best outcome for their patient or client. Consequently, as suggested by early findings of an phenomenographic investigation into information literacy in nursing, to be information literate is to be ethical, not only in the correct use of information, but as part of the endeavour to achieve professional competence, and beyond that, the best practice possible. This would imply that the acquisition of information literacy has an ethical significance and value. Does information literacy education emphasise this? The literature suggests not. Could it, however, be the means of driving forward information literacy education for key professions?