Today, information literacy (IL) is inextricably associated with information practices and critical thinking in the information and communication technology environment. The term ‘Information Literacy (IL)” occurred in 1974 by Zurkowski in US. Its widespread use started after 1989 and has gained importance worldwide over the last decade. The IL is the ability to know locate and evaluate the information sources through which ability to take right decisions for the development of the society with the objective of transforming the world into a knowledge society. It is the basis for lifelong learning and to develop sense–making ability among the readers. India is moving towards information and knowledge-based society it must be necessary for university students, research scholars and faculty members possess competencies and information literacy skills to accomplish their research goals. There are various programmes taken throughout the world from 1980s to make the people information literate. Librarians, Teachers Library schools and Library Associations can play major role to promote information literacy. This paper discusses on concept of information literacy, its need in present scenario and its role in the 21st century.