Understanding the phenomenon of information culture

This article presents the results of a study on the phenomenon of information culture through the prism of traditions, improvements and innovations as integral components having a dialectical link and forming culture. The complexity of studying the abovementioned phenomenon is that this kind of culture is often associated with the rapidly growing mass culture. Based on the analysis of the scientific literature, the authors distinguish the main features (complexity, ambiguity and continuous development) as well as the key functions of information culture (ensuring personal and community development; minimizing the risks associated with the development of information society; information security at the individual, national and global levels, etc.). It is defined that information culture acts as a part of information security and contributes to the progressive movement and development of both personality and community. The paper substantiates the important role of the institution of education in the process of forming the personal information culture.