1. a. As used in this act, the term “information literacy” means a set of skills that enables an individual to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Information literacy includes, but is not limited to, digital, visual, media, textual, and technological literacy.

b. The State Board of Education shall adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards in information literacy. The content of information literacy shall include, at a minimum:

(1) the research process and how information is created and produced;

(2) critical thinking and using information resources;

(3) research methods, including the difference between primary and secondary sources;

(4) the difference between facts, points of view, and opinions;

(5) accessing peer-reviewed print and digital library resources;

(6) the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information; and

(7) the ethical production of information.

c. Each school district shall incorporate instruction on information literacy in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The school library media specialist shall be included in the development of curriculum concerning information literacy whenever possible.

L.2022, c.138, s.1.