This review of the research literature describes and discusses functional/information literacy in the age of computers and the resulting "information explosion," together with means by which students can become competent information users in the future and be enabled to lead productive, meaningful lives. Defined as comprising library skills and computer literacy, information literacy is discussed in relationship to school media centers, which have become key places for integrating skills and resources with subjects across the curriculum, and allowing students to develop proficiency in inquiry. This study summarizes information technologies useful in schools and reviews international information literacy programs to provide insights into ways that administrators, teachers, and library media specialists can work together to prepare students to meet the challenges of the information age. Included in the discussion are (1) definitions and characteristics of information literacy; (2) the library media center as information center; (3) integrating information skills with the curriculum; (4) information technologies in schools; and (5) means of achieving information literacy. It is concluded that competent use of information can offer beneficial results to society-at-large, and that, conversely, information illiteracy can cause harm to individuals and to society. (75 references) (CGD)