A literacia informacional no espaço europeu do ensino superior: estudo das competências de informação em Portugal (primeiros resultados globais)

Abstract

In this 21st century, Portugal faces substantial social challenges. The knowledge society requires citizens prepared and capable to face the challenge of a globalized and competitive economy, where the use and access of the technologies of information and communication assume a dominant position. The tasks of attending to the demands of this new model of social relationships have been showing the absence of a consolidated social answer. Despite the fact that Portugal has been showing indicators of significative increases of digital inclusion, a digital divide is still present. Thus, news literacies are required and new forms of illiteracy will consequently appear. Most countries in the European Union have been developing programs for strong networks of Public Libraries, as well as training people for accessing and using public information services. In Portugal only in the 80's was it possible to initiate the implementation of a net of Public Libraries with adequate infrastructures, what configures a serious delay for facing the defying situation described earlier. It is for that reason that is essential to understand and develop intervention strategies. This paper presents part of the results of a research project, supported by the Foundation for the Science and the Technology, which assess the level of informational skills of Portuguese students in the Higher and Secondary Education. The assessment, carried out in nine Portuguese cities, intends to evaluate the level of preparation presented by the students to face, not only the challenges of the information society, but also the incoming changes of a European Higher Education Area.