Information Literacy has long been identified as a societal need, and
librarians are recognised champions in educating their clients in how to
access and, more importantly, evaluate information.

New flavours of 'literacy' are emerging, such as health information
literacy, financial literacy and statistical literacy. Recent ABS data
indicates that just under half (47%) of Australians aged 15 to 74 years were
assessed as having the numeracy skills needed to meet the complex demands of
everyday life and work1. Statistical literacy is of key concern to the ABS,
particularly in improving the access, understanding and use of data. What
challenges does statistical literacy pose for the information professional?

Information professionals hold key positions in all community sectors,
including public, education and government. We view a strong partnerships
between the ABS and the library sector as a key strategy in creating an
informed society; bridging the skills gap between access to and an
understanding of statistics.