How Do Information Literacy Concepts and & Perspectives Function as an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a complex network of interconnected elements that interact with each other and their environment. In the context of information literacy, we can view the vast landscape of information as an ecosystem where various components—creators, consumers, technologies, and information itself—are interconnected and influence each other. This ecosystem is further complicated by the intricate ways in which writers and readers interact, creating a dynamic environment where meaning is constantly negotiated and evolving.

To be more concrete, the Information Literacy Ecosystem comprises several key components:

1. Authority & Credibility – How to Be Credible & Authoritative in Research, Speech & Writing
2. Information Literacy Ecosystem – Core Concepts
   1. ACRL Framework for Information Literacy
      • Authority is Constructed & Contextual
      • Information Creation as a Process
      • Information Has Value
      • Research as Inquiry
      • Scholarship as a Conversation
      • Searching as a Strategic Exploration
   2. Archive – What Do Writers Need to Know About the Archive?
   3. Canon – Why is the Concept of the Canon So Important to Writers?
   4. Information, Data, Content – Building Blocks Of The Digital Information Age
   5. Empathetic Information Literacy
3. Information Ethics
   • Academic Integrity
   • Copyright
   • Intellectual Property
   • Plagiarism
4. Information Evaluation
   • Evidence
     • Hypothetical Evidence
     • Anecdotal Evidence
     • Opinion
   • Interpretation, Interpretative Frameworks
   • Textuality – Intertextuality

These components don’t exist in isolation; they constantly interact and influence each other, creating a dynamic and complex ecosystem. To understand how this ecosystem functions, we can draw parallels with natural ecosystems:

1. Interconnectedness: Just as plants, animals, and microorganisms interact in a biological ecosystem, different types of information, sources, and ideas are interconnected in the information world. For example, the way we evaluate authority (a core concept) is deeply connected to how we understand the creation process of information and its ethical implications.
2. Adaptation: In nature, species adapt to survive. In the information ecosystem, we must adapt our skills to thrive amidst rapidly changing technologies and information sources. This is evident in how we constantly update our search strategies or evaluation methods to keep up with new forms of media and information dissemination.
3. Balance: Ecosystems require balance to function properly. In the information world, we need a balance of diverse sources, critical thinking, and ethical use of information. This balance is reflected in the interplay between the canon and empathetic information literacy, where we must consider both established knowledge and diverse perspectives.
4. Cycles: Nutrients cycle through natural ecosystems. Similarly, information goes through cycles of creation, distribution, consumption, and reformation. This is mirrored in the “Scholarship as a Conversation” concept from the ACRL Framework, where information is constantly being created, shared, critiqued, and reformed.

Let’s explore some specific interactions within this ecosystem:

1. Authority and the ACRL Framework: The concept of “Authority is Constructed & Contextual” directly influences how we establish and assess credibility in research and writing. A writer must consider how authority is perceived differently across various contexts when crafting an argument or selecting sources.
2. Information Ethics and Evaluation: When evaluating information, ethical considerations come into play. For example, when assessing the credibility of a source, one must consider not only its factual accuracy but also whether it was obtained and shared ethically, touching on issues of copyright and intellectual property.
3. Canon and Empathetic Information Literacy: The traditional canon of a field often represents established authority. However, empathetic information literacy encourages us to look beyond this canon, considering diverse perspectives that might challenge or expand upon canonical works. This interaction can lead to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of a subject.
4. Information Creation and Ethics: The process of creating information is deeply intertwined with ethical considerations. Writers and researchers must navigate issues of plagiarism and academic integrity as they engage in “Scholarship as a Conversation” and “Research as Inquiry.”
5. Archive and Information Evaluation: Archives play a crucial role in how we evaluate historical information. The availability and curation of archival materials can significantly impact our interpretation of past events and ideas, illustrating the connection between archive management and information evaluation skills.
6. Data, Content, and Authority: In the digital age, the interplay between raw data, processed information, and content creation has a profound impact on how authority is constructed. For instance, the ability to manipulate and present data effectively can lend authority to a piece of content, highlighting the connection between these building blocks and the perception of credibility.

To truly grasp the nature of this Information Literacy Ecosystem, consider this analogy:

Imagine the vast digital landscape as an immense ocean. In this ocean, information literacy acts like phytoplankton—tiny, often overlooked organisms that are fundamental to the health and balance of the entire ecosystem. Just as phytoplankton produce a substantial percentage of the Earth’s oxygen, information literacy generates the critical thinking and discernment necessary for a healthy information environment.

Now, let’s say we introduce a new information literacy skill—like the ability to fact-check using multiple sources—into this digital ocean. What happens? Do we simply have the same ocean plus this new skill? Not at all. Like phytoplankton releasing oxygen into the water and atmosphere, this new skill permeates the entire information ecosystem, changing how every participant interacts with information.

This new skill doesn’t just add to our existing knowledge; it transforms the entire information landscape. It alters how we consume news, how we engage in online discussions, how we evaluate sources, and even how information is produced. Writers become more accountable, knowing their audience has stronger verification skills. Social media platforms might adapt their algorithms to promote more factual content. Education systems could shift to emphasize these critical thinking skills.

In essence, each advancement in information literacy, each new skill or understanding we develop, sends ripples throughout the entire digital ocean. It changes the ‘chemical composition’ of our information environment, much like how phytoplankton influence the chemistry of our oceans and atmosphere.

This ecological perspective helps us understand why information literacy is not just a set of skills to be learned, but a dynamic, living part of our information ecosystem. It’s constantly evolving, influencing, and being influenced by every interaction, every piece of technology, and every bit of information in our digital world.

By viewing information literacy through this ecological lens, we can better appreciate its fundamental role in shaping our digital environment. Just as protecting phytoplankton is crucial for maintaining the health of our oceans and atmosphere, nurturing information literacy is essential for fostering a healthy, balanced, and sustainable information ecosystem.

Understanding and navigating this ecosystem allows us to:

1. Create: Contribute meaningful and ethical content to the ecosystem, adapting our creation processes to the ever-changing information landscape.
2. Interpret: Critically evaluate and use encountered content, balancing diverse sources and perspectives.
3. Synthesize: Generate new insights by connecting different pieces of information, recognizing the interconnectedness of ideas.
4. Preserve: Contribute to the longevity and accessibility of valuable knowledge, understanding our role in the information cycle.
5. Adapt: Adjust our information practices to various contexts and evolving environments, ensuring our skills remain relevant and effective.