They use metacognition to monitor each step or strategy they try and learn to revise a strategy when a barrier is encountered. Rather than concentrating on a single method for accessing information, theirs is a holistic view of information retrieval. For example, the student who only understands how to use the library book catalogue using keywords may be stifled when no matches are found. The student who understands how the catalogue classifies topics using subject headings, has a far better chance of success in an investigation. The student who also realizes that the catalogue is one of many starting points leading to particular resource types and that it may not always be the best place to begin depending on the topic, has additional insight into the search process.
Information literacy encompasses computer literacy.
A computer-literate person can manipulate electronic information tools to gain access to information. Computers are part of the wider category of information tools and require their own special search methodologies. They are, however, just one of many information resources and should not be awarded greater value than other tools. They are efficient but in many investigations they are not suitable or even readily available. Information-literate people understand the role of computers in the search process.