According to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Information Literacy is defined as:
...an intellectual framework for identifying, finding, understanding, evaluating and using information. It includes determining the nature and extent of needed information; accessing information effectively and efficiently; evaluating critically information and its sources; incorporating selected information in the learner's knowledge base and value system; using information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose; understanding he economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of information and information technology; and observing laws, regulations, and institutional policies related to the use of information. (Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education, 2002)