Abstract: Information literacy is the key component of individual's ability to adapt to the information society and realize self-development.Many organizations and countries including China have selected it as the key index and component of the core competence framework.By reviewing the historical evolution of information literacy connotation systematically,and comparing its connotation and structure in the framework of core competency from an international perspective,we summarize the connotation of information literacy and refine it into four main characteristics of being comprehensive,procedural,instrumental and critical.Moreover,we also reach the international consensus that the emphasis of information literacy lies in comprehensive performance,innovation in solving problem and correlated with assessment system.For cultivating students' information literacy and furthering the education innovation,we should construct connotation and structure of the information literacy with the characteristics of the times,and develop themes based on real-life situations and establish a scientific assessment system.

Key words: information literacy, information awareness, information ability, information responsibility for society, core competency