How Information Literacy Becomes Policy: An Analysis Using the Multiple Streams Framework

Abstract

There is growing recognition that information literacy is a critical skill for educational and workplace success, engagement in lifelong learning, and civic participation. To be considered for allocations of financial and human resources, information literacy must become a policy priority for institutions and societies. Although there has been some progress in this area since 1974, when the term was coined, information literacy is not yet a priority for many organizations or governments. There is no published examination of factors that may influence the adoption of information literacy as a policy priority. This article explores aspects of the policy process from a U.S. perspective that can favor or impede the inclusion of information literacy on political agendas. It examines these questions through the multiple streams framework of policy processes. It proposes recommendations to help those who advocate for information literacy to effect policy changes. It identifies areas for research that would help information literacy policy advocates demonstrate need.

Evolution and diffusion of information literacy topics

“…However, the current research on information literacy remains insufficient, few new research topics have emerged, a cooperation mechanism between disciplines has not been formed, and successful cases with universal practice are lacking. Many scholars have advocated the multidisciplinary integration of information literacy research and application in the early stage (Aharony, 2010 ; Weiner, 2011 ). Although research topics in different subjects have crossed, integration has not truly been achieved in terms of theoretical basis, research methods, practical exploration, etc., and more in-depth exploration is needed to form a new research paradigm (Huang et al, 2020 ).…”

An analysis of the Chinese Football Reform of 2015: why then and not earlier?

“…This allows MSF to serve as a heuristic analytical lens to fulfil the aim of this paper. The MSF was utilised also because out of all the policy analysis theories which have built upon the western policy literature, MSF is one of the most useful frameworks to explain the critical timing under which a policy change can occur (Baumgartner 2016;Weiner 2011;Zahariadis 2007). It is worth noting here that the timing of policy making is worth investigating because 'developing an understanding of the forces that move policy formulation processes in one direction or another' allows policy practitioners to grasp the right opportunity to enable a policy change (Kingdon 1995, p. 2).…”

Information literacy and the Workforce: A Review

“…There are listings of milestones in information literacy in papers published by Weiner, and Weiner and Jackman (Weiner, 2011;Weiner & Jackman, 2010). A significant link to the workforce occurred in a 1989 consensus statement of prominent information literacy advocates (ACRL, 1989).…”