Featured Teaching Librarian: Marisa Méndez-Brady

The latest Featured Teaching Librarian on the ACRL blog is Marisa Méndez-Brady, who is Reference and Instruction Librarian at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), USA. The interview is here: https://acrl.ala.org/IS/featured-teaching-librarian-marisa-l-mendez-brady/

Deadline extended for proposals to the Global media and Information Literacy (MIL) conference #globalMILweek

The deadline for the call for proposals for the feature conference of Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) week has been extended to the 24 May 2019. The conference will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, 24-25 September, with the Youth Forum on 26 September 2019. The key theme is MIL Citizens and how MIL can contribute to improving the levels of information, engagement, and empowerment for all.
The registration form is here: https://en.unesco.org/feedback/call-papers-global-mil-week-2019-feature-conference
The full call is here: https://en.unesco.org/news/global-media-and-information-literacy-week-2019-feature-conference-call-presentations
The conference is organised by UNESCO, UNAOC, the Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) University Network, the UNESCO-led Global Alliance for Partnerships on MIL (GAPMIL), in partnership with the local hosts County Council Region Västra Götaland and University of Gothenburg (Sweden).

Webinar: Incorporating Social Justice and the Framework in Information Literacy Instruction

On May 20 2019 at 1pm-2.30 pm US Central time (which is, for example, 7pm-8.30pm UK time) there is a webinar: Incorporating Social Justice and the Framework in Information Literacy Instruction, part of ACRL Instruction Section's Virtual Program. You can add questions for the speakers at: https://tinyurl.com/y2llxmgv The webinar "will explore the ways that librarians have incorporated social justice into the classroom, including as a pedagogy, as an advocacy topic, and in conjunction with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Speakers will discuss social justice and the Framework from the practical perspective of how attendees can utilize their approaches to lesson plans, classroom activities, and course syllabi. Attendees will gain ideas, as well as strategies, resources, and instructional artifacts to apply in and modify for their own teaching. The program will offer four presentations by librarians who work directly with these topics, including a 20-minute keynote and three 15-minute presentations on instructional approaches to social justice and the Framework." Speakers are:
- Keynote: Ray Pun and Nicole Cooke: Applying Social Justice Frame in Teaching and in Practice
- Martha Allen: Silent Sam and the Academy: Confederate Symbols in Higher Education
- Sergio Chaparro: Educating for Social Justice and Information Advocacy using Open Access Platforms from the Southern Region of the World
- Jason Ezell and Lucy Rosenbloom: Homing in on Coming Out: Digital Mapping & the Process of Placing Gay Liberation Where You Are
Registration is required at https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/42c90712552e33b07c24e00bf0acd2b8 and after registering you will get the link to join the session when it goes live. This webinar will be recorded.
Photo by Sheila Webber: dandelions, May 2019

The positive face of referencing: tip-and-tricks for teaching and supporting students

There is a free Teachmeet organised by East Midlands ARLG TeachMeet on 11 June 2019 at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK: The positive face of referencing: tip-and-tricks for teaching and supporting students. "Can we make students love referencing? What are the challenges students face? How can we help overcome these? Do you have a teaching technique or top tip you'd like to share? Are you looking for fresh ideas to help support your students? This event will be an opportunity for FE and HE colleagues to come together to share ideas about a skill that students often struggle to master. You'll be able to sign up to give a short 5 or 10 minute presentation or just come along to network and learn! TeachMeets are relaxed, unpressured events designed for everyone to leave with a host of new ideas up their sleeve. We also welcome contributions via poster. Register at https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1231974&group= "When booking your place, please indicate if you wish to present and give a brief outline of your topic - a couple of sentences is fine. If you don't wish to present, there are plenty of spaces for enthusiastic audience members."
Photo by Sheila Webber: the same peonies as a few days ago - they got much paler as they aged!

Mapping the state of information literacy education in primary schools: The case of Pakistan

There is early online publication for an article I co-authored with Dr Syeda Batool, based on her PhD work:
Batool, S.H. & Webber, S. (2019). Mapping the state of information literacy education in primary schools: The case of Pakistan. Library & Information Science Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2019.04.006
I'm afraid it's not open access, but I will blog when there is a copy available in our repository. Syeda carried out case studies investigating information literacy in six primary schools in Lahore, Pakistan, and then carried out a situational analysis setting her findings in the broader socio-cultural context. "Highlights: Information literacy practice in Pakistan primary schools is influenced by political, economic & socio-cultural factors; School children's learning places and attitudes of teachers and librarians impact information literacy practices; Situational analysis found multiple aspects of IL practice situation and identified workable arenas in depth".
Photo by Sheila Webber: cherry blossom, April 2019

Webinar: Describing Realities, Imagining Directions: Critical Race Pedagogies in Teaching & Learning

The ACRL Instruction Section Teaching Methods Committee is running an online event on May 30, 2019, 1pm-2pm USA Eastern time (which is 6-7pm UK time): Describing Realities, Imagining Directions: Critical Race Pedagogies in Teaching & Learning. "In this presentation, two academic librarians, Jen Brown and Jorge López-McKnight, who are currently practicing and imagining race-focused critical pedagogies, will discuss their teaching and learning approaches that will provide attendees with perspectives, ideas, and strategies to transport to their teaching. Critical race pedagogies draw from a range of theories and concepts that are grounded in affirmation, sustainment, and the centering of the racialized and intersectional information worlds of our learners and communities. Critical race pedagogies are committed to critiquing dominant oppressive power structures, while aiming to provide transformative learning experiences in the spaces we teach, learn, and live in." You can register at https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/94586843c7c66f667c24e00bf0acd2b8
Photo by Sheila Webber: peonies in my office

Researching Students’ Information Choices: Determining Identity and Judging Credibility in Digital Spaces #LOEX2019

The LOEX (US information literacy) conference is on its final day. You can follow it at https://twitter.com/hashtag/loex2019?f=tweets&vertical=default&src=hash I have just skimmed through tweets and one site I picked up was that of the Researching Students’ Information Choices: Determining Identity and Judging Credibility in Digital Space project. The researchers are from the University of Florida (UF) George A. Smathers Libraries in partnership with researchers at OCLC and Rutgers University. They are just finishing up analysis and there is a lot of information on their website at http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/RSIC/home It includes links to their previous presentations

Library Manifesto for Europe #europe4libraries2019 #EuropeDay2019

Today is Europe Day, and elections for the European Parliament take place on 22 May, so there is a theme of "This time I'm voting". 

IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations ad Institutions), in partnership with  has produced a Library Manifesto for Europe, with materials available in different European languages. The Manifesto asserts the value of libraries to Europe, and of Europe to libraries, and states that: "We want a Europe that:
- "Guarantees that everyone, at any time in their lives, is able to learn, read, and develop through libraries"
- "Places access at the heart of its action on culture, science and innovation"
- "Commits fully to delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals and promotes access to information in its accession and development initiatives"
The website https://www.europe4libraries2019.eu/

Exploring information literacy pedagogies through sonic objects

On 6 June in Central Saint Martins Library, London, UK, there is a workshop organised via the CILIP MMIT group: Exploring information literacy pedagogies through sonic objects. "In this interactive workshop, participants will be encouraged to experiment with sound using digital and analogue tech, then relate these experiences to teaching practices, strategies and approaches to learning within a context of teaching information literacy. Themes will be emergent on the day, but the workshop design encourages exploration of the following: assumptions about group learning, group dynamics, lived experience of teaching and learning, session design and digital learning."
Go to https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1230287&group=
Photo by Sheila Webber: More of my hawthorn, May 2019

“Mind over Chatter”: Mindfulness, Media, & Misinformation in the Digital Era

There is a call for proposals for a conference on September 13 2019 to be held in Indiana University Kokomo, USA: “Mind over Chatter”: Mindfulness, Media, & Misinformation in the Digital Era. Deadline for proposals is 21 June 2019. The keynote speaker is Michael Caulfield, Director of Blended and Networked Learning, Washington State University, and author of Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers. "This symposium seeks to bring together a diverse group of scholars, teachers, and thinkers from around the state of Indiana and beyond to discuss pedagogical strategies and solutions to help today’s college students cope with “network propaganda” of all kinds. In an increasingly complex, fast-moving, and confusing digital media environment rife with problematic information (mis- and dis-information, propaganda, so-called “fake news,” pseudo-science, manipulation, etc.), what are our responsibilities as teachers and literacy advocates? How might we reconceptualize our roles against a societal backdrop of declining trust in professions and institutions? We are most interested in exploring how the practice of mindfulness—in a variety of forms and formats—can contribute to and deepen our students’ understanding of the current epistemological moment and the way misinformation flows, functions, and moves through the digital media ecosystem. Approaches may draw from any of the following topics, though presenters are encouraged to depart from and elaborate on these ideas as they see fit:
- Using mindfulness techniques/habits of mind approaches to teach digital information literacy (e.g., confirmation bias, truth-default theory, mere exposure effect, epistemic dependence, etc.)
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence in classroom/teaching applications
- The epistemology/structure/theory of network propaganda, dis- and misinformation, manipulation, and the “post-Truth” era
-The architecture of social media networks, especially as it pertains to the spread of disinformation, propaganda, and problematic information in general
- Pedagogical approaches to digital literacy/teaching resistance to disinformation
- Misinformation in science, medicine, and technology
- The history of misinformation, histories of misinformation
- Network theory and the role of networks/social media in spreading misinformation: networks and actors, algorithms, micro-targeting, actor-network theory, materiality, object-oriented rhetorics and approaches
- Intersections between politics and misinformation
More info about submissions and the submission form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSda-QxZqkrDrN-710USqHoUYw1IaGHRhRD82bz-ZjmclBjtHQ/viewform
Photo by Sheila Webber: bluebells, Westcombe park station, May 2019

Call for proposals: Global Media and Information Literacy Conference

There is a call for proposals for the feature conference of Global media and Information Literacy (MIL) week. The conference will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, 24-25 September, with the Youth Forum on 26 September 2019, and the deadline for proposals is 15 May 2019. The key theme is MIL Citizens and how MIL can contribute to improving the levels of information, engagement, and empowerment for all.
" In times of rapid societal changes, including in sustainable development, information, technology, and media – how can MIL empower people while building trust? Can we raise critical awareness in the use of media and information sources without risking trust? How can MIL enhance access to media and information? How can the key competencies about how to navigate in the information, media, and technological landscape be taught? Are there innovative ways of reaching out to the adult population who are outside the educational system? How can societies, through good governance, enable a positive development of MIL? What are the cornerstones in facilitating positive initiatives and actions? What can we learn from each other’s experiences to concentrate our efforts to maximize the benefits of what new technology, digitalization, and cooperation provide and to minimize the risks?"
Subthemes are: MIL and the SDGs; Lifelong learning – MIL and the role of civil society, media, social media, and public service media; Disinformation, propaganda, and MIL; Promoting intercultural dialogue; MIL, elections, good governance; MIL and freedom of expression: Hate speech, dialogue, and engagement; Youth: Formal/informal education, and peer education; Youth and news; Coordination and national policies concerning MIL - examples; MIL assessment - Evaluation of efforts, achievements, effectiveness; Teacher training - how to educate the educators?; MIL role in privacy and protection of personal data (General Data Protection Regulation); MIL Futures - Innovation, best practices, challenges, the next step, where are we heading?; Innovation, tools, state of the art technology such as artificial intelligence enhancing MIL.
The registration form is here: https://en.unesco.org/feedback/call-papers-global-mil-week-2019-feature-conference
The full call is here: https://en.unesco.org/news/global-media-and-information-literacy-week-2019-feature-conference-call-presentations
The conference is organised by UNESCO, UNAOC, the Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) University Network, the UNESCO-led Global Alliance for Partnerships on MIL (GAPMIL), in partnership with the local hosts County Council Region Västra Götaland and University of Gothenburg (Sweden).

TeachMeet: Accessibility and Playful Learning

On 7 June 2019 at the University of Roehampton , UK, there is a free TeachMeet: Accessibility and Playful Learning. "The event will run from 1-4pm with an optional tour of our award-winning £35 million library afterwards. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of sector, title or role - our TeachMeet is open to anyone interested in the topic. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people, exchange experiences and get advice! The concept of accessibility has wide-ranging implications and we welcome any interpretation that considers the needs of diverse audiences. We are calling out for 2 and 7 minute presentations on (but not limited to) the following topics in conjunction with accessibility: Induction, orientation and playful learning; Innovations in teaching information literacy and academic skills; Engaging and training staff; Online and offline gaming and gamification."
Register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/teachmeet-accessibility-and-playful-learning-tickets-59946083349
Photo by Sheila Webber: my apple blossom, April 2019

Innovations in Information Literacy

There is a call for authors for books in the series published by Rowman & Littlefield: Innovations in Information Literacy. "The series has a broad information literacy focus, in content and audience, as well as geographical scope. The cohering element is an emphasis on innovations within information literacy. These innovations might come from new conceptions of the evolving nature and understanding of information literacy, new teaching methods, or new pedagogical technologies. If you have an idea for a manuscript that fits these parameters, and an interest in writing (or possibly editing) a book on the topic" contact series editor Trudi Jacobson at tjacobson@albany.edu "Send along a paragraph or two about the topic and your expertise in the area, this will be sufficient to start a conversation about your idea."
Information on the existing 3 books in the series:
- Transforming Academic Library Instruction: Shifting Teaching Practices to Reflect Changed Perspectives (AMANDA NICHOLS HESS)
- Teaching with Digital Badges: Best Practices for Libraries (KELSEY O'BRIEN AND TRUDI E. JACOBSON)
- Developing Dynamic Intersections between Collection Development and Information Literacy Instruction (AMANDA SCULL)
is at https://rowman.com/Action/SERIES/_/IIL/Innovations-in-Information-Literacy
Photo by Sheila Webber: after growing from a self-sown seed for about 16 years, the Hawthorn tree in my garden finally flowered!

Instruction Showcase: Inclusive Classrooms

The Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) Instruction committee is running its Instruction Showcase on Thursday on May 23, 2019, at North Park University in Chicago, USA. "The showcase features innovative elements in library instruction and assessment, where presenters demonstrate instruction techniques and tools that are designed to enhance library instruction. The program will also feature a morning workshop that focuses on the committee's theme this year, Inclusive Classrooms: Cultivating Learning Environments for Students with Diverse Identities. Register by May 8 2019 at https://www.carli.illinois.edu/7th-annual-carli-instruction-showcase
Photo by Sheila webber: tulips in Greenwich park, April 2019

What’s Grit Got to Do with It? New Approaches for Information Literacy Instruction

Registration (deadline: 31 May 2019) is open for the 2019 Connecticut Information Literacy Conference taking place on June 14 2019 at the University of Hartford, USA. The theme is What’s Grit Got to Do with It? New Approaches for Information Literacy Instruction. "Grit is defined as a mix of persistence and passion. It is a virtue often attributed to academic and career success. Join us for a full exploration of grit: its benefits, limitations, and applications for Information Literacy Instruction." Keynote speaker is Eamon Tewell, Head of Research Support and Outreach for Columbia University’s Science, Engineering, & Social Science Libraries. More info at https://ctlibraryassociation.org/ctinfolit_registration
Photo by Sheila Webber: violets in the grass, April 2019