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• interactivity – active interaction of all stakeholders and usage of
network information resources with feedback provided;
• efficiency – high-speed information exchange, ability to regularly
update and promptly amend information;
• convenience – usability of the digital information environment and the
possibility of access for remote users at any time convenient to them.
In our view, the role of information literacy in the preservation of linguistic
diversity in cyberspace is not limited to the above-described two functions.
Information literacy surely performs the adaptive function as well ensuring
individuals’ adaptation to the new challenges of a rapidly changing information
society. Moreover, information literacy is also an important factor of
development, as it is aimed at enriching one’s mental capacity and inner world.
Information literacy is the foundation of any cognitive process, including education,
and scientific research. It is a tool for tackling practical vital tasks requiring for the
use of appropriate information and relevant knowledge and skills.
The protective or preventive role of information literacy should be
emphasized, allowing individual to protect himself from the negative effects of
computerization and ICT development. Mastery of information literacy skills
gives people a tool for protection from risks and challenges of the information
society, connected with the huge volume of information, often unreliable and
contradictory, from ICT penetration into all spheres of life and danger of
manipulation of human consciousness.
In this regard, developing critical thinking is essential for current training
programmes on information literacy. Critical thinking allows to select, analyze
and interpret information, draw one’s own conclusions and form own point of
view on various social, cultural, political, and other aspects of life instead of
blindly trusting other’s opinion.
In conclusion, we want to emphasize once again the complexity of the problem
of multilingualism preservation in cyberspace in the context of globalization.
Its solution lies outside the scope of simple and unambiguous decisions, and
requires for the integration of efforts by national and local governments,
education, science, memory institutions (libraries, archives, museums), art
institutions, both traditional and electronic media, public organizations and
private individuals. It involves large-scale, long term and, most importantly,
systemic activities including raising the level of information literacy of citizens.
Information literacy development for preserving multilingualism, in turn,
requires for state support and provision of the following conditions:
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