AI and Information Literacy: AI Literacy and IL

AI Literacy as Information Literacy

The standards Librarians use to assess information literacy competencies and skills are developed by our national professional organizations.

These information literacy standards are directly applicable to learners' mastery of artificial intelligence.

Below we provide example learning outcomes for AI-related information work. These learning outcomes are organized beneath their corresponding standards and performance indicators from The Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Health Sciences Interest Group’s (HSIG) Information Literacy Standards for Nursing. Though these standards were created for nurses, they are applicable to all health professionals, and we have replaced the word "nurse" in each standard with "health professional" to reflect the flexibility of the standards.

 

Standards for information literacy mapped to AI learning outcomes:

1. The information literate [health professional] determines the nature and extent of the information needed.

   1. Performance indicators:
      1. Defines and articulates the need for information.
      2. Identifies a variety of types and formats of potential sources for information.
      3. Has a working knowledge of the literature in [health] related fields and how it is produced.
      4. Considers the costs and benefits of acquiring the needed information.
      5. Reevaluates the nature and extent of the information need.
   2. AI learning outcomes
      1. Identifies general differences between chatbots and search engines in purpose and structure.
      2. Identifies differences between natural-language-processing (NLP) search algorithms like Google Search and non-NLP search engines like PubMed.
      3. Identifies ways to integrate AI into research as a tool.
          

2. The information literate [health professional] accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

   1. Performance indicators:
      1. Selects the most appropriate investigative methods or information retrieval systems for accessing the needed information.
      2. Constructs and implements efficient and effectively-designed search strategies.
      3. Retrieves information online or in person using a variety of methods.
      4. Refines the search strategy if necessary.
   2. AI learning outcomes
      1. Constructs and implements efficient and effectively-designed search strategies, which account for natural-language processing algorithms on their chosen search engine.

3. The information literate [health professional] critically evaluates the procured information and its sources, and as a result, decides whether or not to modify the initial query and/or seek additional sources and whether to develop a new research process.

   1. Performance indicators:
      1. Summarizes the main ideas to be extracted from the information gathered.
      2. Selects information by articulating and applying criteria for evaluating both the information and its sources.
      3. Synthesizes main ideas to construct new concepts.
      4. Compares new knowledge with prior knowledge to determine the value added, contradictions, or other unique characteristics of the information.
      5. Validates understanding and interpretation of the information through discourse with other individuals, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners.
      6. Determines whether the initial query should be revised.
      7. Evaluates the procured information and the entire process.
   2. AI learning outcomes
      1. Identifies impact of AI use on learning process and learning outcomes.
      2. Validates understanding and interpretation of the information received from a chatbot through discourse with other individuals, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners.
      3. Determines whether the initial query should be revised.
      4. Evaluates the procured information and the entire process.
          

4. The information literate [health professional], individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

   1. Performance indicators:
      1. Applies new and prior information to the planning and creation of a particular product.
      2. Revises the development process for the product.
      3. Communicates the product effectively to others.
   2. AI learning outcomes
      1. Communicates their use of AI tools to others.

5. The information literate [health professional] understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.

   1. Performance indicators
      1. Understands many of the ethical, legal and socio-economic issues surrounding information and information technology. 
      2. Follows laws, regulations, institutional policies, and etiquette related to the access and use of information resources.
      3. Acknowledges the use of information sources in communicating the product or performance.
   2. AI learning outcomes
      1. Follows laws, regulations, institutional policies, and etiquette related to the access and use of AI tools in the classroom.
      2. Acknowledges the use of AI information sources in communicating the product or performance.
      3. Identifies impact of AI use on their own mental health.

This guide is created under Creative Commons License by University of North Dakota,  Chester Fritz library. 

 AI literacy as Info Literacy - Artificial Intelligence - Research Guides at University of North Dakota

vennDiagram direction LR set1 [AI Literacy] set2 [Information Literacy] set1Text Understanding AI Concepts, Evaluating AI Outputs, Using AI Tools Ethically, Recognizing AI's Impact set2Text Identifying Information Needs, Locating Reliable Sources, Critically Evaluating Information, Understanding Information Ecosystems intersection Text Evaluating AI Outputs Critically, Understanding AI's Role in Information Creation & Dissemination, Using AI Ethically for Information Tasks, Developing Search Strategies for AI-Enhanced Discovery

Created by Rukmal Ryder, in collaboration with Google Gemini and Canva. May 15, 2025. 

Integrating AI literacy and information literacy is essential in today's digital landscape, where individuals must navigate vast amounts of information and utilize AI tools effectively. Here’s an overview of both concepts and how they can be integrated:

AI Literacy

AI literacy refers to the understanding of artificial intelligence technologies, their capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications. It includes:

1. Understanding AI Basics: Knowledge of what AI is, including machine learning, natural language processing, and data analysis.
2. Critical Evaluation: Ability to assess AI-generated content and recognize biases or inaccuracies.
3. Ethical Considerations: Awareness of the ethical implications of AI, including privacy concerns, data security, and the impact of AI on society.

Information Literacy

Information literacy is the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. Key components include:

1. Research Skills: Knowing how to find credible sources and conduct effective searches.
2. Critical Thinking: Evaluating the reliability and relevance of information.
3. Ethical Use of Information: Understanding copyright, plagiarism, and the ethical use of information.

Integration of AI Literacy and Information Literacy

Integrating these two literacies can enhance individuals' ability to navigate the information landscape effectively. Here are some strategies for integration:

1. Curriculum Development: Educational programs can incorporate both AI and information literacy into their curricula, teaching students how to use AI tools for research and information evaluation.

2. Workshops and Training: Organizations can offer workshops that focus on using AI tools for information retrieval and analysis, emphasizing critical evaluation of AI-generated content.

3. Collaborative Projects: Encourage collaborative projects that require students or employees to use AI tools to gather and analyze information, fostering both literacies in a practical context.

4. Ethical Frameworks: Develop frameworks that address the ethical use of AI in information gathering and dissemination, ensuring that individuals understand the implications of their actions.

5. Real-World Applications: Provide case studies and real-world scenarios where AI and information literacy intersect, helping individuals understand the practical applications and challenges.

By integrating AI literacy with information literacy, individuals can become more adept at navigating the complexities of the digital world, making informed decisions, and using technology responsibly.