2 Digital Literacy

Learning Objectives

• Enumerate objectives for digital literacy standards
• Reflect on digital literacy standards expectations and implementations

With technology at the forefront of our daily lives, librarians are expected to be familiar with a variety of digital resources so they can fully aid patrons. With so many types of resources, it can be difficult for professionals to determine which skills are essential to know. By learning the basics of digital literacy, librarians can become more confident with their skillsets and assist readers with their use of technology.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), digital literacy is “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information” (American Library Association [ALA], n.d.). This involves the skills needed to locate, and analyze digital tools (ALA, n.d.). Digital literacy is essential because our world relies on being able to find and use technology. Without this skill, disinformation can spread quickly through misunderstandings (Radovanovic, 2025).

As mentioned above, technology is integrated in life in the world today. Librarianship is very connected to digital literacy as communities connect with the libraries of today. With the reality of technology being weaved in society, librarians often have a significant role in encouraging digital literacy, as communities exist within the world.

According to the ALA, sub-competencies that embody the connection between librarianship and digital literacy are “Identify appropriate technologies and uses that support access to and delivery of library services and resources […] Evaluate existing and emerging technologies and their impact on library services and resources in terms of accessibility, practicality, sustainability, and effectiveness” (American Library Association, 2023). This is reflected today as librarians assist patrons with digital learning and competency, as well as equipping digital literacy throughout their careers. Librarians often teach digital literacy classes, as reflected at the Iowa City Public Library where tech classes are provided to equip patrons across all skill levels with the opportunity to learn more (Iowa City Public Library, n.d.). The standards stated above acknowledge the role librarians have in digital literacy, creating space for information access, instructional support, resource curation, technology integration, and community engagement.

In recognition of the importance of being digitally literate, many schools are including instruction in basic computer skills and digital citizenship in cooperation with school librarians (American Association of School Librarians, 2018; Utah State Board of Education, 2022). Digital literacy learning serves as an ever more vital foundation for information literacy as more information is accessed via the internet or by other digital technologies. For higher education and adult learning settings––academic and public libraries, respectively––digital literacy is developed in sets of nuanced “knowledge practices” and “dispositions” rather than discrete skills, as laid out by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) (Association of College and Research Libraries, 2015). Each of these “frames”, as the ACRL defines them, are embedded within the daily work of librarianship and information work in general.

Key Takeaway

Digital literacy is a foundational competency for contemporary librarianship, encompassing not only technical skills but also the ability to evaluate, communicate, and teach information in digital environments. Librarians support patrons’ use of technology by aligning instruction with professional standards and adapting to changing modes of information access.