The Information Age is being driven by an acceleration of technological breakthroughs including microcomputers, cable television, electronic publishing, fiber optics, satellite communications, videotext, online database searching, high-density CD-ROM storage, and robotics. A new intellectual skill that will enable us to be masters of new communications and information technologies is needed. This skill--which is called information literacy--has been written about from a number of different perspectives by information industry spokespersons, librarians, educators, and communications researchers. Some characteristics of information technology might actually be impediments to the attainment of information literacy for many: (1) generation of an over-supply of information; (2) cost of information machines; (3) cost of information access; (4) invisibility of the information revolution to the average person; and (5) the "de-massification" of mass media. Libraries in secondary and higher education often provide the needed focus for information literacy programs. The public library can provide similar programs for the general population; however, underuse and underfinancing may hinder such efforts. It is necessary to make the components of the online information environment more visible and accessible to potential users--those who are pre-information literate. Not to do so in an active, concerted manner will mean that information needs for significant parts of the population will remain unidentified, unexpressed, and unmet. Twenty-five references are listed. (MES)