“being able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information.

                                                       Presidential Committee on Information Competence. Final Report. Chicago: American Library Association, 1989.

Information Literacy is "Lifelong learning ...

"Developing lifelong learners is central to the mission of higher education institutions. By ensuring that individuals have the intellectual abilities of reasoning and critical thinking, and by helping them construct a framework for learning how to learn, colleges and universities provide the foundation for continued growth throughout their careers, as well as in their roles as informed citizens and members of communities. Information literacy is a key component of, and contributor to, lifelong learning." 

Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education.  http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/informationliteracycompetency.htm#useofst