National Forum On Information Literacy Celebrates 20th Anniversary

On October 15 and 16, 2009, the National Forum on Information Literacy begins celebrating 20 years of promoting information literacy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Conference Center in Washington, D.C. Information literacy is a critical skill set essential today for academic achievement, workplace success, and engaged civic participation in our dynamically evolving information and communication technology universe. It provides the worldview template needed by all Americans for successful pursuits in areas of competitive advantage, personal responsibility, and lifelong learning in the 21st century.

The anniversary theme for the two day affair is Empowering Future Generations: Information Literacy. Arthur J. Rothkopf, Senior Vice President and Counselor to the President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will keynote the dinner celebration on Thursday, October 15th. Friday's Annual Meeting will offer an interactive town hall format focusing on the theme and is open to the public. Seating is limited.

The Anniversary's honorary chair, Congressman Major R. Owens, Ret. has said, "Information literacy is needed to guarantee the survival of democratic institutions. All men are created equal but voters with information resources are in a position to make more intelligent decisions than citizens who are information illiterates. The application of information resources to the process of decision-making to fulfill civic responsibilities is a vital necessity."

The two day affair will celebrate the achievements of the National Forum including acknowledgement of the steadfast dedication and leadership of its first chair, Dr. Patricia Senn Breivik, currently Vice President of Nehemiah Communications in Columbia, South Carolina. The National Education Association is one of the event's key sponsors.

As we move further into the 21st century, it is quite clear that information literacy will become the standard-bearer for academic achievement, workforce productivity, and competitive advantage.

For more information on the 20th anniversary celebration, visit www.infolit.org