From reference work to information literacy: evolution of the librarians’ educational role

The evolution of the educational role of librarians, since the appearance of reference work to the emergence of information literacy and its assimilation by the library profession, is described. The idea of information literacy is shown to be intrinsically embedded related to reference work practices and user education. However, the new concept brought about the widening of the educational role of the librarian. In view of the responsibility assumed currently by librarians -to help people learn how to search and use informationa better understanding of the concept of information literacy is necessary, as well as changes in educational practice.