Dr. F. Woody Horton Receives Certificate of Excellence from the Natl. Forum on Information Literacy

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Oct. 13, 2014 - PRLog -- On October 8th, the Board of Directors of the National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL) enthusiastically awarded Dr. F. Woody Horton, Jr. of Washington, D.C. its inaugural Certificate of Excellence commendation for his leadership in the 2014-2015 publication of UNESCO’s Overview of Information Literacy Resources Worldwide and his lifelong advocacy of information literacy practice.

Upon receiving the news, Dr. Horton was at a loss for words, remarking “I am speechless and very, very highly honored by this award!”

Since the early 1970’s, Dr. Horton has been an outstanding, steadfast advocate for information literacy practice when the rapid emergence of information and communication technologies began establishing ubiquitous roots in homes, schools and workplaces around the globe. Coming from the MIS/DP field, Dr. Horton has been ever mindful of the need to distinguish between information literacy and digital literacy.

A former retired Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Horton has held a number of government related positions in the State Dept. including a stint with USAID as well as director of studies for the Federal Commission on Federal Paperwork.  He has consulted with governments and foreign institutions around the world in the areas of information policy development and library staff training with a host of developing nations.

Under his editorial leadership, Dr, Horton coalesced a team of international information literacy advocates - library and information science professionals, teachers, researchers, and students -  to assist in completing an updated, second edition offering information literacy resources in more than 120 languages, twice as many as was listed in the 2013 UNESCO sponsored first edition of Overview of Information Literacy Resources Worldwide.

“Dr. Horton exemplifies the type of insightful leadership needed today to ensure that all learners have the information literacy skills needed to access all educational and social resources available within their communities to successfully move forward while enhancing their quality of life ”, commented Dr. Lana W. Jackman, President of NFIL.

The National Forum on Information Literacy has evolved into one of the pre-eminent advocacy organizations dedicated to mainstreaming information literacy philosophy and practice worldwide. Information literacy lies at the heart of lifelong learning and personal responsibility. It provides the 21st century skill set needed for any learner and/or worker to thrive and compete effectively in today’s global economy.

For more information, contact Dr. Lana W. Jackman, President, National Forum on Information Literacy at lj@infolit.org or visit www.infolit.org.