Information Literacy and Bibliographic Instruction: the difference

Information literacy – is described as a set of abilities that allow an individual to be able to recognize when and what type of information is needed and required; be able to search for information using relevant terms or keywords that will assist in narrowing the search to specific information and using technological systems in searching; be able to successfully locate retrieved information; be able to evaluate the relevance and authenticity of the information, and be able to compile, present and communicate information to other people.

Bibliographic Instruction – also referred to as user guidance/user instruction or library instruction is described as instructional service provided by libraries in helping users become more independent on using the library.  These instructions include educating users on how to locate library resources (by searching the library catalogue, searching databases, using the library’s filing system/s, etc.); and also using or accessing library services and making using the library facilities (computer rooms, printers, discussion rooms, etc.). The instructions can be delivered by a Librarian/staff member on one-one-one consultation or in a group (e.g. library orientation, or class visits).




Difference – information literacy is more in depth. It guides the user on not only locating and retrieving information, but also on how to evaluate the relevance of information to a user’s question or information need. On the other side, bibliographic instruction only point the user to a whole coverage of information covering the topic or subject, information literacy guides a user on how to determine the amount of information they are going to need. Information literacy also guides a user until the end where a user is able to present and communicate information to other people, bibliographic instruction only instructs a user where and how to find information.

Rader and Coons (1992) stress the differences between them when they state: Information literacy is not a synonym for bibliographic instruction…Information literacy adds another dimension by representing a broader approach and offering the opportunity to produce students who understand the importance of information and who have the competence to locate, evaluate and manage it"

Information literacy is considered to be more complex than BI because it has always been associated with ambitious lifelong learning goals, whereas BI seems to be more associated with narrower training goals. (Radar & Coons, 1992).


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Changes in academic library instruction

  • Libraries used to focus on the acquisitioning of physical library material and the processing and organizing that material to allow easy access to the users visiting the libraries. But currently, libraries are rather focusing on renewing or signing up for online subscriptions to allow more easily and convenient access to users in and outside the physical library. Libraries and Librarians do not only provide guidance and instructions face-to-face with the users, they also have to communicate and instruct them via technological communication channels like social media platforms or the “ask-a-librarian” service.
  • Educational mandates and curriculums have also changed. Students are no longer expected to master certain set of skills but are rather taught how to learn so that learning becomes a lifelong process.
  • The virtual library is no longer a dream. Educational technology allows distribution of instruction and training to take place anytime and anywhere.
  • The library is now a teaching facility, not just a book warehouse, services, programs and resources are evaluated in terms of how they support learning.
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