Goran Trailović
Gradska biblioteka Pančevo
goran@biblioteka-pancevo.org.rs

Gordana Stokić Simončić
Univerzitet u Beogradu
Filološki fakultet – Katedra za bibliotekarstvo i informatiku, Beograd
gordana.stokic.simoncic@gmail.com

Dragana Sabovljev
Gradska narodna biblioteka „Žarko Zrenjanin“, Zrenjanin
dragana.sabovljev@gmail.com

doi: 10.19090/cit.2018.32.24-34
No. 32 (May 2018), p. 24-34

Information Literacy in the Light of Statistics: The State of Affairs in Serbia

Summary

The paper deals with the analysis of the level of information literacy of citizens of the Republic of Serbia. It relies on research by the Statistical Offi ce of the Republic of Serbia, as well as on rare but valuable researches of the level of information literacy in diff erent parts of the Serbian population. The statistics provided a general quantitative framework, while the segmented research provides more precise data related to the degree of information literacy of members of certain social groups. On the basis of this research, it can be noticed that the level of information literacy, primarily of pupils and students, as well as of the other categories of the population of Serbia, is low. The starting point and framework for the further development of information literacy in Serbia in public policies and strategies were given by the National Conference on Media and Information Literacy, held in 2017. The paper also points to the opportunities off ered to libraries which, by knowing this data, can adapt their services to the promotion and spread of information literacy among the population.
A meaningful solution would be to pay attention to information literacy during formal education, at all levels. When it comes to librarians, a delicate question arises (which always provokes a burning debate and controversy) of their competencies and formal education. Nevertheless, one should not forget that the fi rst serious initiatives on this issue have been launched in library circles.
The interest in information literacy is expanding. Following the example of international professional practice, quantitative measurements and standardization attempts have been made. Serbian society has moved from the conceptualization phase to the phase of implementation of MIL in education, science, culture and everyday life. At this stage, libraries should also have a leadership role.

Keywords:

information literacy, media literacy, statistics, Serbia, citizens, elementary school pupils, secondary school pupils, students, National Conference on Media and Information Literacy

Submitted: 11th April 2018
Correction to the manuscript: 21st April 2018
Accepted for publication: 25th April 2018

Information Literacy in the Light of Statistics: The State of Affairs in Serbia by Goran Trailović, Gordana Stokić Simončić, Dragana Sabovljev is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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