How AASL Learning Standards Inform ACRL’s Information Literacy Framework

Abstract

The definition of literacy has changed over century, and now information literacy is being reconceptualised. The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 2007 Standards for the 21st Century Learner are predicated on multiple literacies. These standards focus on cognitive processes, and incorporate dispositions. The standards also presuppose that learning skills develop throughout life. Librarians should seek articulation between K12 and higher education information literacy, reflected in the standards. The Association of College and Research Libraries drew upon several aspects of AASL’s standards: developmental approach, inquiry-based learning, knowledge creation, incorporation of the affective domain, and collaboration. In revisiting their information literacy standards, ACRL’s task force reconceptualised information literacy as a framework, with frames that describe threshold concepts characterizing of domain of information literacy.