Beyond the Shelves podcast: Liberating #infolit and AI Literacy

The International Association of University Libraries's (IATUL) podcast, Beyond the Shelves, focused in its 1st episode on Lliberating information literacy (with Alanna Ross, Vicky Grant and Emily Drabinski, September 2024) and in its third on Critical AI Literacy (with Alanna Ross, Vicky Grant, and Maha Bali, November 2024).
Go to https://open.spotify.com/show/5vWkywL3aLH2ctD2j0tqgr
If you want to find out more about the Liberating IL project, there is a paper Information, digtal and media literacy for active global citizenship: the liberating information literacy project at https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?filename=0&article=2348&context=iatul&type=additional and a presentation at https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=iatul2023
Photo by Sheila Webber: autumn I think gingko) leaves, November 2024

New(ish) articles: TikTok teachers; Offline learning for online learners; Accessibility; Education and social media; MOOCs

The latest volume of the open-access Journal of Interactive Media Education (2024 - Issue 1) has a particular focus on social media and higher education, and on MOOCs. Examples include:
- Lines of Flight: The Digital Fragmenting of Educational Networks by Apostolos Koutropoulos et al.
- Understanding Accessibility in MOOCs: Findings and Recommendations for Future Designs by Francisco Iniesto, Covadonga Rodrigo
- The Importance of Offline Options for Online Learners by Rebecca Ferguson, Leigh-Anne Perryman, Simon J. Ball
- Equitable Access to Higher Education Learning and Assessment: Perspectives from Low-Resource Contexts by Saraswati Dawadi, Fereshte Goshtasbpour, Agnes Kukulska-Hulme
- Beyond Boundaries: The Role of Learning Types in Shaping MOOC Learner Engagement and Progression by Hannah John, John Kerr, Guillaume Andrieux.
The volume has built up over the year, with articles added between February and September
Go to https://jime.open.ac.uk/collections/the-legacy-of-moocs
Photo by Sheila Webber: a command, Blackheath, November 2024

#infolit in the disciplines

ACRL's Information Literacy in the Disciplines guide contains "links and citations to information literacy standards and curricula developed by accrediting agencies, professional associations, and institutions of higher education. Resources listed were identified by ... contacting accrediting agencies, conducting literature reviews, and searching the web."
I've mentioned this guide before, but not for ages, and it is useful if you are exploring IL in any specific academic discipline (although it has a North American focus in terms of accreditation standards etc.)
Go to https://acrl.libguides.com/IS/informationliteracyinthedisciplines They are keen to get some feedback for improvements and additions - there is a survey form linked at the bottom of the home page.
Photo by Sheila Webber: autumn leaves on cars, 5, November 2024

Call for nominations: Annual Best Publication Award

There is a call for nominations (implied is self-nomination) for the Institute for Information Literacy (Purdue University, USA) Annual Best Publication Award.  The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2024. Publications may include journal articles, book chapters, and published proceedings, and should have been published in 2024.
"Researchers, educators, and practitioners with recent publications exploring and expanding the role of information literacy in navigating societal information challenges are eligible" The award consists of a US $1,000 award to extend their research, being featured as an invited speaker at the Institute’s annual ID:EALS symposium, and being invited to serve on next year’s Best Publication Award committee.
"The Institute’s Best Publication Award highlights excellence in information literacy scholarship that 1) justifies the relevance of an information challenge, 2) demonstrates development or enhancement of information literacy models or techniques, and 3) supports individuals, communities, or organizations in using information wisely or combating the misuse of information."
More info at  https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSz9q7Fms6chX6JMLdk6c0vsemlJB9TlH0C2XVQE7IK1KDxY_pYCGnI_JMaUAJgQ3eN7gIRlJnJZ3bH/pub?urp=gmail_link

Call for papers: 9th European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL)

The Call for Papers for the 9th European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL), to be held in-person 22-25 September 2025 in Bamberg, Germany, is open. Deadline for submissions is 3 February 2025. It is organised by the Department of Information Management of Hacettepe University (Turkey), Department of Information and Communication Sciences of Zagreb University (Croatia) and the Information Literacy Association.
The main theme is Information Literacy in an AI-driven World, but in fact any topic related to Information Literacy is relevant. In my view ECIL is the key international information literacy conference.
"ECIL aims to bring together researchers, information professionals, media specialists, educators, policy makers and all other related parties from around the world to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss recent developments and current challenges in both theory and practice." Options for submissions are: full papers, posters, PechaKucha, best practices, workshops, panels and a doctoral forum.
For more information go to: http://ecil2025.ilconf.org

Developing #AI Literacy with people who have low or no #digital skills

A report from the Good Things Foundation, published in October 2024, is Developing AI Literacy With People Who Have Low Or No Digital Skills. They spoke to 18 UK community organisations and 38 people receiving support in digital skills, and list advice about how to support those with low digital skills to engage with AI effectively.
The report includes a diagram showing AI Literacy underpinned by Media Literacy and Digital Literacy
AI Literacy "Understanding of AI outputs: Recognise AI content and know the risks linked to AI generated content; Make greater use of AI tools to make life easier. Application of AI safety and responsibly for simple tasks e.g.drafting a letter, simplifying information. Awareness and safe use of AI integrated tools e.g. in search functions and chatbots."
Media Literacy "Know how to use and interpret online tools and content: Keeping yourself safe online, protecting your mental health and knowing how to assess the variety of online informaiton. Keep yourself safe online Managing online safety, privacy and protection from harm. Understanding that not all information online can be trusted."
Digital Literacy "Essential Digital Skills for Life and Work: Having the digital skills to communicate, handling information, transacting, problem solving, being safe and legal online."
Go to https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/policy-and-research/research-and-evidence/research-2024/ai-literacyPhoto by Sheila Webber: autumn leaves on a bench, October 2024

New articles: AI and information literacy; Norwegian network; Strategic partnership

The latest IFLA Information Literacy Section Newsletter (Winter 2024) is available. It includes short articles from contributors in USA, Switzerland, Vietnam, Malaysia and Norway, all of which are interesting. Several of them discuss initiatives to do with AI e.g. Coffee Lecture: Critical Evaluation of AI-generated Information by Lukas Tschopp.
Also there is an article about NANUB: The National Network for Information Literacy Instruction in Academic Libraries in Norway (that website is in Norwegian, obviously).
Go here for the newsletter https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/3636
Photo by Sheila Webber: autumn, reflected, October 2024

Recording: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest: Information through Libraries

The recording of the 2024 IFLA ILS & SLS Joint Global MIL Week Webinar (28 October 2024),The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest: Information through Libraries is available on their Youtube channel.
The speakers were Damiano Orrù (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy), Rebecca Morris (University of Pittsburgh, USA) and Leen d'Haenens (KU Leuven, Belgium).
The recording is here: https://youtu.be/Qbf8jjnR7OM?si=yLOnLnY-uIrpYiL0
Photo by Sheila Webber: view from my front door yesterday, November 2024

Webinar: Building a National Alliance for Media and Information Literacy

This free webinar was due to take place on 31 October, but is now rescheduled to 21 November 2024 at 17.00-18.30 GMT. Building a National Alliance for Media and Information Literacy is organised by  UK's Media and Information Literacy Alliance
"In this webinar, we will share our experience, in the UK, of developing a national initiative to advocate for media and information literacy (MIL), encourage capacity-building and help to build the MIL evidence base."
"The webinar will be introduced by a panel of MILA’s trustees. We will address the challenges of raising awareness of MIL across society, not least among policymakers and educationalists; and of fostering collaborations between the different players that have an interest in MIL and associated literacies."
Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-national-alliance-for-media-and-information-literacy-tickets-1082392096899?

California Conference on Library Instruction: extended deadline

There is a call for proposals for the California Conference on Library Instruction, taking place in-person on 30 May 2025 in Cal State Monterey Bay, USA. Deadline for proposals is 2 December 2024. The theme is Making the Invisible Visible.
"CCLI invites you to share your instructional philosophies, teaching interventions, and strategies that make the invisible processes or structures visible to students, faculty, and the higher education community and support their curiosity and ability to navigate the challenges they face as students, scholars, and life-long learners.
"In our highly adaptive librarian roles, we are uniquely positioned to make the invisible more visible to students, faculty, and administration. We demystify hidden curriculum for students from different information privileges and backgrounds. We unpack and deconstruct the research process and make it accessible. Together, we explore the challenges inherent in emerging technologies, such as generative AI and algorithms. With the insights we draw from these vantage points, we are able to respond to and advocate for diverse needs and address these in the teaching environments we create, be they in person, online or through learning objects."
More info at http://www.cclibinstruction.org/

Call for papers for Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference 2025 #CALC25

There is a second and final call for papers for the Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference 2025, taking place online 14-15- May 2025. This is an open call for papers so anyone can submit a proposal. Deadline for proposals is 28 November 2024.
"We welcome research, discussions, exchanges of experience and project reports. If you or your library have work or perspectives to share around equity, decolonisation, critical information literacy, working with underrepresented or marginalised communities or anything else relating to critical practice we'd love to hear about it."
More info at https://sites.google.com/view/calcconference/call-for-papers and the submission form is at https://forms.gle/7QtLRjr1z3MEJtvx8
Photo by Sheila Webber: autumn leaves on cars, 4, November 2024

Online course: Digital Content Creators and Journalists: How to Be a Trusted Voice Online

You can register for UNESCO's free online course: Digital Content Creators and Journalists: How to Be a Trusted Voice Online. It starts on 18 November 2024. " Developed in partnership with The Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, the 4-week self-paced course will equip digital content creators and journalists with essential skills and knowledge to navigate digital challenges, communicate professionally, and advocate for transparent, human rights-based online practices." The idea is to make digital content creators (such as influencers) be more thoughtful about the information they share.
Register for the course in English https://journalismcourses.org/product/digital-content-creators-and-journalists-how-to-be-a-trusted-voice-online/
- In French https://journalismcourses.org/product/createurs-de-contenu-en-ligne-et-journalistes-comment-devenir-une-voix-de-confiance-sur-internet/
- In Spanish https://journalismcourses.org/product/creadores-de-contenido-digital-y-periodistas-como-ser-una-voz-confiable-en-internet/
– In Portuguese https://journalismcourses.org/product/criadores-de-conteudo-digital-e-jornalistas-como-ser-uma-voz-confiavel-online/ 

New articles: Dictionary literacy; enhancing student information literacy; IL and project work

Bothma, T.J.D. and Fourie, I. (2024). Contextualised dictionary literacy, information literacy and information behaviour in the e-environment. Library Management, [early online publication] https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-08-2023-0082
Basing their discussion on a scoping review of the literature, the authors focus on "the importance of e-dictionaries, the meanings of information literacy and dictionary literacy, the complexity of e-dictionary literacy, the recognition of the importance of context in using dictionaries from an information behaviour perspective, examples of the use of dictionaries, and taking into account both the context of the user and the context in which the specific word or phrase occurs in a text, as well as the skills needed" 

Prabowo, T.T., Sitthiworachart, J., Hong, J.C. and Joy, M. (2024). Problem-based learning with library e-resources to enhance student information literacy self-efficacy. Library Management, 45(8/9), 564-580. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-07-2023-0061
They investigated "the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) in information literacy curricula using library e-resources to enhance information literacy self-efficacy (ILSE) of students in two universities in Indonesia, in Java Island (University A) and Sumatra Island (University B)" through pre and post tests. "The results show that the treatment enhanced ILSE effectively. After the treatment, University A students [who had received the teaching] performed better than those at University B [who hadn't received the teaching]." 

Albarracin Aparicio, R. A., & Boitano Montaño, S. D. (2024). Alfabetización informacional y calidad de proyectos de investigación en Escuela ISIL (Lima, Perú). Investigación Bibliotecológica: Archivonomía, bibliotecología E información, 38(101), 73–90. https://doi.org/10.22201/iibi.24488321xe.2024.101.58883 (Spanish language)
This was a quasi experimental study that aimed to show the impact of information literacy education on the quality of project work, undertaken in Peru
Photo by Sheila Webber: autumn leaves on cars, 3, November 2024

Tips and Trends: Libguides

Latest in the Tips and Trends series from ACRL is Tips and Trends: Optimize Your Guides: Creating and Maintaining User-Friendly LibGuides As usual this is a a short publication of a few pages, which concisely explains what Libguides are, current uses in libraries and Higher Education, and potential problems. There are links to articles and a couple of other resources at the end.
The web version is here and the pdf is here.
Photo by Sheila Webber: autumn leaf on car, 2, November 2024

Webinar: Health Literacy and Young Adults

Emporia State University  presents a free webinar, Health Literacy and Young Adults, on 19 November 2024 at 13.00 US Central time (which is 19.00 UK time). Speakers are:  Lesley Farmer, Jill R. Kavanaugh, Shawn Steidinger, Deborah H. Charbonneau and Emily Vardell.
"This webinar will explore opportunities for public and school librarians to support the health literacy of young adults. A panel of experts will seek to equip librarians with the information and tools they need to be responsive to the varied health information needs and literacy levels of individuals in their communities. By understanding the health information needs and behaviors of adolescents and young adults (AYA), librarians can be more effective in supporting AYA’s health. Librarians are uniquely positioned to advocate for easy-to-read materials, design and deliver information literacy instruction about combating online misinformation, and optimize their effectiveness by partnering with community experts to provide appropriate health-related resources, services, and programs. The evidence-based, practical approaches discussed in this webinar are designed to help build capacity for health literacy work in public libraries, with a focus on supporting young adults’ health information needs."
Register at: https://emporiastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpcO6rpjIsHdIQaU4slI37HipzwDiway8N#/registration

Photo by Sheila Webber: autumn leaf on car, November 2024

News: Libguides; STEM students

The latest Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Instruction Section newsletter is available (volume 41 number 2). The 7-page newsletter includes useful news and links and also some (very) short articles:
- No more slide decks!: A case study on using LibGuides as active learning materials in the library classroom by Liana Bayne-Lin (Science & Math Librarian, James Madison University, USA)
- From Guidelines to Rubrics: Evaluating LibGuides Towards Sustainable Maintenance by Emily Espanol (Research and Learning Librarian, Roseman University of Health Sciences, USA)
- Creating Holistic Research Mapping Exercise for STEM Students by Kathryn E. Shenk (Science & Math Librarian, James Madison University, USA)
- Summary of the Applied AI in Information Literacy Webinar by Mallory Jallas on behalf of the Virtual Engagement IS Committee
Go to https://acrl.ala.org/IS/wp-content/uploads/ISFall2024Newsletter.pdf
Photo by Sheila Webber: 2 red devil apples from my tree, October 2024

Institute for Research Design in Librarianship Online Research Conference

This conference, taking place online 18-19 November 2024 is free, but you need to register as there is an attendance cap of 300 people per day. You need to register for both days, if you want to attend both days. The Institute for Research Design in Librarianship Online Research Conference is at 9.00-14.00 (US Pacific time) which is e.g. 17.00-midnight GMT (UK time).  "The conference is the first research methods-focused conference of its kind in the United States and will offer a friendly and inclusive environment to increase participants' understanding of methodologies and research in practice. During an engaging two days, participants will have opportunities to share their current research, reflect on research challenges and enjoy a variety of seminars and hands on practice sessions with some of the most inventive researchers in the field."
Day 1: https://lmula.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceiupjwoGtLwLclf0EzOEYWsR5xv3AbR
Day 2: https://lmula.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwucOyrpzkqHtRXXvvAq5oWUGyNrHTaKICn 
The conference website with the full programme is here: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/irdlconference/2024/
Photo by Sheila Webber: remembering Halloween, November 2024

#LILAC2025 conference bursaries

Applications are open for bursaries for the LILAC 2025 (information literacy) conference taking place in-person 14–16 April 2025 at Cardiff University, Wales. To apply for a bursary, you must be a librarian, volunteer, or information professional working in the UK. Applications close on 22 November 2024 at 17.00 GMT. There are two kinds of bursary.
- LILAC Bursaries. There are 5 free places for people in the following under-represented groups in the UK: Ethnic minority backgrounds; School libraries; Further Education; Public libraries; Health libraries (e.g. NHS – please note; librarians working in Higher Education who support health subjects are not eligible to apply). The bursary includes three days at the conference and social events. They also include up to £250 in expenses for reasonable travel and accommodation.
- Local to LILAC Bursaries. There are 6 bursaries. "These bursaries are day delegate places, and we are offering two places for each day of the three-day conference. ... intended for people who live or work near to the LILAC venue, to have the chance to attend a day at LILAC and experience what the conference offers. Each of the six bursaries will involve a free day place to one day of the conference and £50 for reasonable travel expenses. " They include food/refreshments on the day, but not social events.
For more details go to https://www.lilacconference.com/lilac-2025/bursaries-1

Webinar 7 November: Transforming Our Teaching and Research Practices through Epistemic Justice

The Meaningful Inquiry team at Ohio State, USA has organised a free webinar Reconstructing the Academy: Transforming Our Teaching and Research Practices through Epistemic Justice on 7 November 2024, at 12:00-1:00 pm (US Eastern time, which is e.g. 17.00-18.00 UK time  GMT). 
Speakers are: Heather Campbell and Ashley McKeown. "This workshop invites faculty and librarians to explore the concept of epistemic justice, a practice that demands equal respect for diverse knowledge systems, decentering Euro-westernized academic research. While many diversity and inclusion initiatives focus on representation, epistemic justice goes deeper, asking us to rethink who we consider knowledgeable and why. Together, we will explore pragmatic tools for embedding an epistemic justice lens into undergraduate and graduate curricula, and how we might redefine approaches to knowledge creation."
To register & to get more details on speakers: https://go.osu.edu/miepistemicjustice
Photo by Sheila Webber: Autumn colours in the Botanic Gardens, October 2024

Call for proposals: LOEX 2025: Crafting a Future for Information Literacy

There is a call for breakout session proposals for the USA's major information literacy conference, LOEX, taking place 15-17 May 2025 in Pasadena, California, USA. The theme is Crafting a Future for Information Literacy. Deadline for proposals is 2 December 2024.
"How does library instruction intersect with creativity, design, and futurism?... We invite you to join fellow practitioners in sharing your designs, collaborations, innovations, and inspirations. This year's LOEX proposal tracks are:
- "Collaboration and Outreach: Stitching Us Together
- "Research and Assessment: Shaping Our Practice
- "Advocacy and Justice: Paving Our Path
- "Frontiers and Innovation: Forging Our Future
- "Teaching and Learning: Honing Our Craft
- "Stewardship and Leadership: Weaving Our Strengths"
You can propose 50-minute presentations and interactive workshops.
More info at https://www.loexconference.org/breakout-proposals/

Amman declaration on strengthening media and information literacy #GlobalMILweek

The Global Media and Information Literacy week feature conference, which took place in Jordam 30-31 October 2024, produced the Amman declaration on strengthening media and information literacy to advance public-interest information in the digital age which claims to be currently available in Arabic and English, but at the moment both links lead to the English version. The English version is here. The page with the links is here, and hopefully the faulty Arabic link will be corrected shortly.
After a 2 page preamble there are commitments and recommendations for governments, for UNESCO and other intergovernmental organizations, for Digital platforms and technology companies, and for Civil society, media, youth, academic institutions and researchers.
The recommendations for governments include "ENACT robust national and regional media and information literacy policies and strategies to sustain media and information literacy for all; allocate resources to advance implementation, ensuring inclusive and multistakeholder engagement; and integrate media and information literacy in upskilling programmes, national development priorities, governance processes;" "SUPPORT the integration of media and information literacy into formal and non-formal education systems and life-long learning, empowering learners and educators to critically assess digital content;"
The recommendations for UNESCO etc. include "PROMOTE cooperation on media and information literacy among United Nations Agencies/Funds/Programmes and regional and international intergovernmental bodies in line with Para 35 of the Global Digital Compact of the Pact for the Future;"
The recommendations for digital platforms include: "PROVIDE users and content creators with tools and resources, developed in partnership with multistakeholder groups and based on established standards, to enhance media and information literacy as critical thinking skills, including flagging AIgenerated content, and implementing content moderation systems that are inclusive and free from bias;"
The recommendations for Civil Society organisations include "LAUNCH initiatives that promote media and information literacy beyond formal education systems, and specifically among youth, marginalized communities and elderly persons, empowering them with the skills to be informed creators and discerning consumers of digital content"
There are also recommendations specifically to do with MIL in crisis situations, as well as ones to do with MIL cities.

Recording of Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information through Libraries

There is a recording of IFLA MIL Week Webinar The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information through Libraries held on October 28 2024. There were speakers from Belgium, Italy and the USA.
Find it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbf8jjnR7OM
Image created by Sheila Webber using Midjourney AI, October 2024