This publication is an easy-to-read, non-technical overview explaining what "information literacy" means, designed for busy public policy-makers, business executives, civil society administrators and practicing professionals.

In essence, explaining in an easy-to-understand, non-technical fashion to senior and middle level public and private sector executives – in government ministries, private enterprises, academic institutions, and not-for-profit organizations – how to find, retrieve, organize, evaluate and effectively use information is what this publication is all about.

This publication is not a scholarly or academic treatise. Rather, it has been designed as a “made simple” publication, a ready reference for consulting from time to time by busy officials and executives having to cope every day with the complex and daunting challenges being faced by all enterprises and institutions, public and private, as they make the transition to knowledge societies at the beginning of the 21st century.

Readers, who have limited time and want to jump directly to specific recommendations in various areas such as education, health, business or governance, should turn to Part II and go directly to their special interest area, and/or go to one of the annexes for detailed information.