Recordings: Data Literacy for Community College

Recordings from the 2nd webinar series (held February 2026) which forms part of the University of North Texas' (USA) Data literacy for community college project are available. This series had that title Building Data Literacy in Practice: Tools, Lessons, and Strategies, and the webinars were on: Understanding Data and Data Sources; Making Data Insightful and Actionable; and Managing Data Ethically and Responsibly. 
Go to https://ci.unt.edu/dlcc/webinars/webinar-recordings.html and scroll down the page (the series 1 webinars on From Principles to Practice: Data Literacy in Academic Libraries, held in 2025, are linked at the top of the page). 
From my quick scan of the slides, these presentations look useful to my own teaching and students e.g. Making Data Insightful and Actionable goes from the need to formulate a meaningful question, through data collection and analysis to presentation (with the focus on quantitative data).
Photo by Sheila Webber: last snowdrops (in that I will move on from snowdrop photos now), February 2026

Articles on AI in higher education

The recent issue (Vol. 3 No. 2., published later than the title date of December 2025) of HETL Frontiers (twice-yearly journal of the International Higher Education Teaching & Learning Association) has 22 short (3 page) articles about AI in higher education, including some useful practical studies and research studies. AI Literacy and Digital Literacy are emphasised. You can download this issue from the journal home page https://www.hetl.org/hetl-frontiers/
Photo by Sheila Webber: spring branches, March 2026

Webinar: Revising the ACRL IL Framework

There is a webinar on the current review of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy, organised by ACRL’s Student Learning and Information Literacy Committee (SLILC). Revising the Framework: Learn and Discuss is on 26 March 2026 at 13.00-14.00 US Central time (bear in mind that North America has gone to summer time, and many other countries don't until the 29th.
"Our information environment has changed in significant ways in the decade since the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education debuted, and over the last few years a dedicated taskforce has been focused on reviewing the current framework and proposing revisions. As the release date for the draft grows near, SLILC would like to invite all interested community members to join an event that will offer an opportunity to hear some of the reasons and process for upcoming Framework revisions, as well as a chance to begin thinking about how these changes may affect your practice at a personal and institutional level."
Register at https://ala-events.zoom.us/meeting/register/vIlMUcDDSH-V-QZ61VkzkQ#/registration
Photo by Sheila Webber: a survivor (from Victorian times), March 2026

GenAISiS Online Training Series

More spaces have been freed up for the free GenAISiS Online Training Series. Two sessions have already taken place. 
In Session 3 Game 2: Bot or Not? (24 March 2026, 3:30-5:00pm GMT (UK time) "Participants will test their skills in deciding whether text came from a child, a teacher or an AI - and learn how to run this critical literacy activity in their own environment." 
In Session 4: Game: The Great Art Guess-Off (2 April 2026, 3:30 - 5:00pm BST (UK time) "Using youth-created, artist and AI visuals participants will compare: AI‑generated images; Artist-created work; Child-created drawings. A fun way to teach visual literacy and help children think critically about authenticity and style in digital images." 
The sessions are "aimed at anyone supporting learners aged 8-13 who wants to build stronger AI literacy skills (e.g., Teachers/Trainee Teachers, Librarians, Youth workers, Learning Support staff, Researchers, School Nurses, other interested information professionals, teaching professionals and students)." 
Go to https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/robertgordonuniversity/genaisis-t-r-a-i-n-free-webinar
Photo by Sheila Webber: spot the squirrel, February 2026

Today! Navigating the Novice-Expert Research Gap

Today, 10 March 2026, at 12noon US Eastern time (19.00 UK time) there is a free webinar: Navigating the Novice-Expert Research Gap: An Information Literacy Taxonomy. "In this webinar, we will outline a new taxonomy that is intended to help instructors and librarians navigate this expert-novice research gap. Participants will be introduced to the new taxonomy and consider how they can utilize it to develop research assignments with clear expectations and appropriate scaffolding for learning." 
Information about this and other webinars in the series at https://u.osu.edu/meaningfulinquiry/spring-2026-meaningful-inquiry-workshops/ 
Register at https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D2ErXMe0StmsdywAcPnSDQ#/registration 
Photo by Sheila Webber: lots of snowdrops, February 2026

Online courses

Online short courses offered by Library Juice Academy in April and May include 
- Embedded Librarianship in Online Courses (US$250), runs April 6 - May 3, registration & details at https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/081-embedded-librarianship-online-courses/ 
- Introduction to Open Educational Resources (OER) (US$250), runs May 4 - May 31, registration & details at https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/312-introduction-to-open-educational-resources-oer/ 
- Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (US $375), runs May 4 - June 14, registration & details at https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/208-introduction-universal-design-for-learning/
Photo by Sheila Webber: someone gave the Boy With Dove statue a hat to keep him warm, February 2026

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