Data information literacy for sustainable development with a special focus on Italy

Today’s information context has become more complex, with information becoming increasingly disaggregated and granular while at the same time continuing to grow exponentially along with massive expansion of data. Everyone lives in a data society, and citizens are required to be data literate. Whether intended for simple data management activities or for managing data in applications of artificial intelligence (AI), data literacy is crucial for sustainable development from many perspectives. Firstly, data literacy is key for understanding and monitoring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets by collecting and analysing data. It is essential for any citizen living in today’s data society to understand the impact of the complexity and to be aware of the data every person makes available through digital interactions. The results of understanding the implications of releasing and using data are improved wellbeing and solid social relations. Library education must address the need for librarians to be data- and information-literate which enables them to understand, measure, and contribute to the correct use of data in sustainable development.