Traditional literacy is defined as "the quality of being literate; knowledge of letters; condition in respect to education, esp. ability to read and write" (OED Online, "literacy," 2nd ed.).

According to the CIA World Factbook, 83.7% of the world is literate - literate meaning anyone age 15 or older who can read and write (2012).

Alphabetic literacy is still extremely important and a major focus in schools, public libraries, and organizations like the Library of Congress.

Traditional literacy is the building block for all other literacies; without it, they would be impossible to master.

The information in this guide is based on information in a series of presentations and documents associated with an Information Literacy Workshop presented by the ULS Information Literacy and Assessment Working Group.

1. Library instruction/information Literacy

• Set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information" (ALA)
• First introduced in 1974
• Commonly addressed in academic libraries

2. Visual Literacy

• Ability to construct meaning from visual images
• Ability to think, learn, and express oneself in terms of images
• Making judgements on accuracy, validity, and worth of images

3. Media Literacy

• "Provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, and create messages in a variety of forms - from print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of a democracy" (Center for Media Literacy)
• Participatory culture
• Low barriers for engagement
• Strong support for sharing creations with others
• Informal mentorship
• Members believe contributions matter
• Care about others' opinions of self and work
• Social connection with one another

4. Technology Literacy

• Can encompass digital literacy, computer literacy, etc.
• As simple as using a PC or writing an email or as advanced as data-analysis or manipulating hardware
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy
• Use digital technology and communication networks for problem solving and critical thinking
• iSkills: define, access, evaluate, manage, integrate, create, communicate, use technology ethically

5. Network Literacy

• Have an understanding of the system by which networked information is generated
• Can retrieve specific types of information from the network using a range of information discovery tools
• Can use networked information to analyze and resolve both work and personal related decisions
• McClure, C.R. "Network Literacy in an Electronic Society: An Educational Disconnect?" Annual Review of the Institute of Information Studies, the Knowledge Economy Queenstown, MD: Aspen Institute: 193, 160.

6. Cultural Literacy

• "The ability to analyze and understand a particular society or culture; familiarity with the customs and characteristics of a culture" (OED Online, "cultural," 2nd ed.)
• Understand that culture impacts their behaviors and beliefs, and the behavior and beliefs of others
• Are aware of specific cultural beliefs, values, and sensibilities that might affect the way that they and others think or behave
• Appreciate and accept diverse beliefs, appearances, and lifestyles
• Are aware of the similarities between groups of different cultural backgrounds and is accepting of differences between them
• Understand the dangers of stereotyping and other biases; are aware of and sensitive to issues of racism and prejudice
• Are familiar with existing cultural norms of new technology environments (instant messaging, virtual workspaces, email) and are able to interact successfully in such environments

1. Digital divide - can't assume that all students have 24/7 access to technology

2. Transparency - students might not have the right vocabulary, an environment where information is out there for everyone to see and access

3. Ethical challenges - ownership/authorship, working with someone else's text or media

1. Not a radical change - we are already familiar with these literacies because of social networking, using media, and instructing students on how to access electronic resources

2. Education on ethical issues and participatory challenges - offer guidance and coaching on how to behave and use the tools to survive in a digital world

3. Unique opportunity to embrace and encourage 21st century literacies through instruction, reference, and collection development

• Video hosting (visual, media, technology, network)

• YouTube, Metacafe

• Photosharing (visual, cultural)

• Flickr, Photobucket

• Wikis (media, technology, cultural)

• PBWiki, Wetpaint

• Blogs (media, technology, cultural)

• Blogger, Wordpress

• Tag clouds (visual, cultural, technology)

• Wordle, Tagcrowd, Bubbl