Information literate school commuity (ILSC)

This paper - Henri, J. (2005) ‘Understanding the information literate school community’ in The Information literate school community 2, J Henri and M Asselin (eds.), Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, Australia, pp.135-145. - explains what an ILSC is.

Below are some quotes that stood out to me.

I was surprised to read that many teachers are not information literate and that they are not expected to. I like how Henri challenges that.

This paper has made me wonder if the reason why the good TLs are so good is because they understand what an ILSC is and how to create it.

“The information literate school community describes a school community that places a significant priority on transforming information into knowledge and in turning knowledge into information” (Henri, 2005, p.13).

“Kuhlthau (1993a) found that four basic enablers were present in successful programs: a team approach to teaching; a shared understanding of learning as a constructivist process: a shared commitment to lifelong learning; and competence in developing learning activities and strategies” (Henri, 2005, p.17).

“Information requires knowledge to be both created and understood. Evidence of knowledge is provided via information. Knowledge of information in action is needed to produce knowledge. Learning is what happens when knowledge and information collide in a dynamic way” (Henri, 2005, p.19).

“Schools that are focused in a direction of information literacy see constant change as the norm and set policies and practices within this context” (Henri, 2005, p.21).


“Characteristics of information literate schools include: emphasis on policy development, authentic process-driven assessment, integrated and flexible curriculum, and a strong role for specialists such as the curriculum coordinator and teacher librarian” (Henri, 2005, p.22).

This paper also has some great practical ideas for how a TL could be a catalyst for change.