 To be effective, leaders need to be information literate. Information literacy is vital to making good decisions, developing strategies, and communicating effectively. But what exactly is information literacy? Is it the same as being able to read and write, or being able to use a computer? Not exactly. Information literacy is a combination of knowledge, skills, and characteristics that allows an individual to effectively locate and use information. An information literate individual has knowledge about how information is created, accessed, and shared, and the ability to know where and how to search for information. More specifically, a leader who is information literate understands that there are many different search tools available, ranging from search engines such as Google to specialized academic and corporate databases. A person who is information literate can use multiple search tools and resources, including print resources, and changes their search strategy based on the type of information that they need. Rather than using the first information that they find, a leader who is information literate understands how important it is to critically evaluate any information, considering such factors as the authority, purpose, and accuracy of the information before they use it. A leader who is information literate is also able to use information effectively to support their decision-making processes or to accomplish a specific purpose. They also understand that there are laws and ethical guidelines related to information, and take these into consideration when determining how to search for information, where and how they can share specific types of information, and when they need to provide attribution. And finally, to be information literate, a leader must display certain characteristics, including patience and persistence when searching for information, the flexibility to revise a search if the initial results are not acceptable, and a determination to seek out quality information, rather than being satisfied with the first information that they find.