The way in which it is explained by participants pro bably depends upon their own world views. What is more important is that 'new knowledge or information' is recognised as the outcome, and intuition is recognised as the contributing factor to effective information use. Information literacy is seen as using information wisely for the benefit of others. Wise use of information, involving the adoption of personal values in relation to information use, is the distinguishing feature of this conception. Wise use of information occurs in a range of contexts including exercising judgement, making decisions, and doing research.
Wisdom is a personal quality brought to the use of information.
Using information wisely presupposes a consciousness of personal values, attitudes and beliefs. It involves placing the information in a larger context, and seeing it in the light of broader experience, for example, historically, temporarily, socio-culturally. When information is seen within a larger context and one's own life experience it can then used in qualitatively different ways. A consciousness of personal values and ethics is needed to enable information to be used in this way. For some respondents information technology was a negative influence on this kind of experience.