Recent articles: AI and more AI; data literacy; research guides

The latest complete issue of the Journal of Academic Librarianship is vol 52 issue 1. This is a priced publication, but at time of writng the ones which aren't open access are badged "complimentary" which I think means they are free for a limited period. The issue includes:
- McCrary, Q.D. (2026). Are we ghosts in the machine? AI, agency, and the future of libraries. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103181 (Open access) "Without intervention, students risk becoming passive passengers in their own research process, potentially undermining the traditional goals of information literacy grounded in autonomy and deliberate practice."
- Ayinde, L. et al. (2026). Adoption of artificial intelligence in academic libraries: A systematic review of current practices, challenges, and research opportunities. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103185 (Open access)
- Boetje, J. et al. (2026). Validating design principles for teaching information problem solving in higher education: Academic librarians' perspectives. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103183 (Open access).
- Lugya, F.K. (2026). Enhancing access and efficiency: The role of library research guides in supporting academic success at Busitema University. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103189
-  Kavak, A. & Gültekin, V. (2026). Examining the relationship between digital competencies and artificial intelligence literacy of academic librarians in Türkiye.  The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103191 - Lo, L.S. (2026). The CARE approach for academic librarians: From search first to answer first with generative AI. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103186
- Mann, E.Z. (2026). Making data literacy accessible: A pilot study of academic library and community collaboration for citizen data literacy. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103166
- Fernández-Pascual, R. et al. (2026). Exploring undergraduates' self-efficacy in information, media, and data literacies: An integrated approach using the ACRL framework's threshold concepts. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103192 (open access)
Photo by Sheila Webber: sign of spring, March 2026

Articles on disinformation and evaluation; adults, chemistry students

Boler, M., Gharib, H., Kweon, Y.-J., Trigiani, A., & Perry, B. (2025). Promoting Mis/Disinformation Literacy Among Adults: A Scoping Review of Interventions and Recommendations. Communication Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/00936502251318630 (open access) "The review examines articles published between 1 January 2016–22 November 2021 that report on or provide recommendations for media literacy interventions for adults suited to the emerging challenges of disinformation. Our findings reveal diverse intervention formats and evaluation methods including course-, web-, or game-based interventions, public events, and visual resources. Experts recommended teaching about emotion targeting and regulation, algorithmic governance, lateral reading, visual technology, and using interactive formats. Studies of evaluated interventions outside of formal education were scarce. Our review reveals significant debates around the usefulness of checklists and how to address politically sensitive issues, skepticism, and authority in programing."
Reagan, K.J., Coates, K., & Swaringen, J. (2025). Your information ZODIAC: An information evaluation framework for the age of Generative AI. Journal of New Librarianship, 10(2), 93-109. https://doi.org/10.33011/newlibs/19/9 (I think this is open access) [The evaluation framework consists of: Zooming in, Other opinions, Dataset, Intent, Authenticity, and Consistency.]
Ong, J., Loh, K., Han, J. & Fung, F. (2026). Integrating the CRAAP Framework to Support Critical Thinking and Information Literacy. Journal of Chemical Education, 103(2). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00624 (priced publication) "This study explores the integration of the CRAAP framework (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose) into an Environmental Chemistry course at a leading university in Asia to examine students’ approaches to source evaluation and perceptions of its utility. Sixteen third- and fourth-year chemistry students evaluated news articles before and after CRAAP training, with responses assessed using an analytic rubric. Students performed relatively well in assessing Currency, Relevance, and Purpose, but reflected a weaker performance in Authority and Accuracy. Positive student feedback highlighted the framework’s perceived usefulness and applicability beyond the course."
Photo by Sheila Webber: iris reticulata (possibly "Katherine Hodgkin"), February 2026

Webinar: Unlocking Digital Worlds for Older People

On 10 March 2026 at 12:00-13:00 GMT there is a free online event The Creative Gateway: Unlocking Digital Worlds for Older People. My colleagues Dr Sharon Wagg, Dr Pam KcKinney and Laura Woods will present "research that highlights the powerful role that arts, culture and creativity can play in supporting digital inclusion for older people. Funded by Arts Council England, in Partnership with 100% Digital Leeds, the research shows how creative activities can act as a vital gateway into the digital world and offers practical recommendations for libraries, creative and cultural organisations, local authorities and funders, alongside a new toolkit to support action."
Register at https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/index.php/events/webinar-creative-gateway-unlocking-digital-worlds-older-people
The project report and toolkit is here: https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/leedsdigitalinclusion/press-publications
Photo by older person Sheila Webber: winter and spring, March 2026 (that's a mimosa tree on the right)

Webinar: Generative AI and Retrieval Augmented Generation

The UK electronic information Group (UKeiG) is repeating the half-day priced online course Generative AI and Retrieval Augmented Generation for librarians, information and knowledge professionals on 19 March 2026, 13.00-16.00 GMT. The leaders are my colleagues Dr Andrew Cox & Dr Suvodeep Mazumdar, School of Information, Journalism & Communication, Sheffield University, UK. More detail is given at the registration link below (scroll down that page and use the tabs).
The course (including presentation slides and documentation) costs: UKeiG/CILIP members £50 + VAT;  Non-members £80 + VAT. Register at  https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2036998&group=201314
Image generated by Sheila Webber using Midjourney AI, prompt: beautiful landscape of green grass, rolling hills and pastel flowers, soft blue sky, in the forground a silver tabby adult cat plays with dandelion seed head

Collaboration for Information Literacy Prize

A new press release from Florida State University, USA, celebrates the Collaboration for Information Literacy Prize from the Modern Languages Association to a Faculty-Librarian team at FSU who collaborated to deliver "“Paris World Capital,” an innovative course that invites students to critically examine Paris as a cultural and global icon while strengthening research and digital literacy skills."
The collaboration involved Professor of French, Aimée Boutin, and an interdisciplinary team from FSU Libraries, including Rachel Duke, Kelly Grove and Jonathan DaSo.
There is more information at https://news.fsu.edu/news/arts-humanities/2026/02/27/national-mla-award-recognizes-florida-state-universitys-innovative-faculty-librarian-partnership/
There is description of the course itself here.
Photo by Sheila Webber: in the gardens of the Musee Montmartre, Paris, November 2023

Reflection as a Means to Assess Information Literacy Instruction

Yesterday there was an update on the project at the University of Houston, USA, on using reflection in information literacy education. The original paper was:
Kapacinskas, N., Lopez, E., Warren M. & Douglas, V.A. (2025). Reflection as a means to assess information literacy instruction. Journal of Information Literacy, 19(2), 93–103. http://dx.doi.org/10.11645/19.2.781 ("This project report outlines the development of a qualitative, reflection-based evaluative process and toolkit for our Libraries’ instruction programme that centres two critical domains: teacher-librarian self-efficacy and student learning.") The update is:
Kapacinskas, N., Douglas, V.A., Lopez, E. & Warren M. (2026, February 26). Project Report Update: Reflection as a Means to Assess Information Literacy Instruction. https://infolit.org.uk/project-report-update-reflection-as-a-means-to-assess-information-literacy-instruction/
Photo by Sheila Webber: snowdrops, February 2026

Call: Education and Behavioral Sciences Section research forum

The ACRL Education and Behavioral Sciences Section invites proposals for presentations at their virtual research forum, to be held online on 6 May 2026. The propsal deadline is 16 March 2026. The proposals should report on research (at any stage - it doesn't have to be completed) "relevant to library work in education, behavioral, or social sciences or to academic libraries in general."
The presentations will take the form of 10-minute lightning talks. "Proposals will be evaluated via rubric by the extent to which they address the following five elements. [which are research design, relevance & value, originality, EDI and project status] Upon reviewing your proposal, the EBSS Research Committee will follow-up with any questions. You do not need to be a member of ALA or ACRL to submit a proposal."
The proposal form is at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkNtdaULTeTDycIIjCgUhoFCGPMolQvau-WYrxqD3iUx5_iQ/viewform
Previous fora (with recordings / slides) are linked here https://www.ala.org/acrl/aboutacrl/directoryofleadership/sections/ebss/ebsswebsite/ebsscommittees/research
Photo by Sheila Webber: squirrel in Sheffield Botanics, February 2026

Webinar: Digital Literacy & Pop-up Teaching

On 5 March 2026 at 8.00 (US EST), 13.00 (GMT), 21.00 (SGT) there is a free webinar (lasting 90 minutes) Digital Literacy & Pop-up Teaching. The leaders are Jennifer Nardine (Asst Prof/Librarian/Coordinator of Int'l Outreach, University Libraries at Virginia Tech, USA) and Katlyn Griffin (Teaching & Learning Engagement Librarian, University Libraries at Virginia Tech, USA). 
"Explore innovative “pop-up teaching” activities on digital literacy topics. Grounded in Virginia Tech’s Digital Literacy framework, this webinar introduces key competency areas and offers adaptable examples for diverse learning contexts." 
It is organbised by American Library Association (ALA) International Relations Round Table (IRRT) Mission Enhancement Project, in collaboration with IFLA WLIC 2026, Korea National Committee, as part of a development series. 
Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D1mrKzEpQmuItCovxuSAxQ
Photo by Sheila Webber: iris reticulata (possibly "George"), February 2026

Webinar: Information Literacy, data and evidence removal in the US

On 26 February at 14.00-1500 GMT there is a webinar organised by the CILIP Information Literacy Group: Information Literacy, data and evidence removal in the US. It is free to CILIP members, £5 to others. 
"During the US government shutdown in October and November of last year, many of us saw the notice on the PubMed website warning that information on the site may not be being updated. For many of us in the information literacy community, this brought into focus how events in the US are affecting our own access to and use of information. In this webinar, we will hear from Isobel Eddyshaw, an Academic Liaison Librarian at the University of Exeter. In this talk, Isobel will go through and explain some of the current changes in the US, their impact on data and evidence removal on databases, as well as how she put together the LibGuide. This will be a 30 minute presentation, followed by a 30 minute Q and A, and offers a chance for us as information professionals to discuss our concerns and share how changes in the US are affecting our practice." 
Go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cilipinformationliteracygroup/2014393

Book: Teaching Information Literacy by Discipline

Libson, S.P. & Willey, M. (Eds.). (2025). Teaching Information Literacy by Discipline: Using and Creating Adaptations of the Framework. ACRL. Item Number 979-8-89255-561-6
There are sections (each with several chapters) on: Arts; Writing; Humanities; Interdisciplinary Studies; Social Sciences; Business; Education and Behavioral Studies; Health; Sciences
Full information at https://alastore.ala.org/teaching-information-literacy-discipline-using-and-creating-adaptations-framework
Photo by Sheila Webber: snowdrops, February 2026

Podcast: Autistic Librarians in Academic Library Workplaces

The twelfth episode of the podcast Chatting Info Lit is Autistic Librarians in Academic Library Workplaces: "Lucy Dodge speaks to Amelia Haire (Senate House Library; Neurodivergent Library and Information Staff Network). Amelia talks about the research she conducted as part of her Masters dissertation, which focuses on what it means to be information literate for an autistic librarian in the academic library workplace." 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-12-autistic-librarians-in-academic-library/id1673423506?i=1000750168434 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79bDXYuA8deGTFwEHZKEIF?si=ygt9p8yyRWmfDxguUEDoww 
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chatting-info-lit-podcast/autistic-librarians-in
Photo by Sheila Webber: crocus, February 2026

ACRL Immersion Program

ACRL (the US Association of College and Research Libraries) has started up its Immersion Program again "an intensive three-day program" which "provides participants with an immersive learning experience where they can reflect on core issues related to teaching and learning in libraries and develop new relationships with colleagues from a variety of institutions."
It will take place 15-17 July, in person, at Loyola University in Chicago, USA. A maximum of 50 delegates are admitted. Registration is supposed to open "mid February" (though I can't see a link yet)
There is full information here: https://www.ala.org/acrl/conferences/immersion?_zs=SUvvg1&_zl=ThCcA
Photo by Sheila webber taken in Second Life, immersed underwater

Call for proposals: 2026 Virtual LILi Conference

There is a call for proposals for the 2026 Virtual LILi Conference, to be held online on 23-24 July 2026 (in the US Pacific time zone: for those in the UK and other parts of Europe this will be in late afternoon/ evening). The theme is Artificial Intelligence Meets Information Literacy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future. The submission deadline is 13 April 2026. 

You can propose presentations (15-min presentation plus Q&A), lightning talks (5-7 minutes), PechaKuchas or posters "that explore innovative approaches, research findings, practical strategies, and emerging trends in libraries and information literacy related to artificial intelligence, particularly in support of equity and inclusivity." There is a "focus on practical uses rather than theory" and some specific themes are suggested on the page with the full call (which includes proposal form links) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dH6pDiIq8XMaJARUGL7umcnCNRcijQGkZrK3VzF5OCQ/edit?tab=t.0
I will just add that I think  it's wonderful that the LiLI volunteers keep organising these free interesting events!