Information literacy in support of knowledge management

Abstract

In a context of increasing importance of information and knowledge, the 21st Century has been evidenced as a reformulator of institutional policies, enhancing human capital to generate innovation and gain competitive advantage. However, the initiatives aimed at the application of a management that, really can work the human capital in its potentiality are few. Critical success factors are relevant elements that are part of knowledge management and, as such, should be strongly monitored. Critical success factors can range from communication, technology, people, processes, to leadership. In this scenario, information literacy emphasizes the perspective that the organizational individual is able to use information critically, reflexively, creatively, autonomously and ethically in different situations. The use of consistent and reliable information for the construction of organizational knowledge is essential, however, it is questioned: are organizational individuals competent in the use of information? Organizational individuals know their own informational needs? Based on a bibliographical review, this article emphasizes the need to develop knowledge management aligned with information literacy. In this sense, the similarities between the information literacy and critical success factors were identified, in order to propose contributions to the knowledge management to obtain effective effectiveness. As a result, presents the main critical success factors interrelated to the main patterns of development/ improvement of information literacy, highlighting the similarities, as well as exposing the need to value the relevant use of information for the generation of knowledge.