Rethinking Wikipedia from a Library Perspective

Sonnenschein, N. (2025, June 23). Rethinking Wikipedia from a Library Perspective. ACRL blog.   https://acrlog.org/2025/06/23/rethinking-wikipedia-from-a-library-perspective/ "Wikipedia is not perfect, but it is one of the last vestiges of an earlier, idealized vision of the World Wide Web: a place where anyone can sail the wide-open seas of human knowledge. We cannot take it for granted." The author is User Services & Experience Librarian at Montana State University Billings, USA.
Photo by Sheila Webber: Cosmos, July 2025

Webinar: using blogs and podcasts to disseminate research to diverse audiences

On 30 September 2025 at 12.00-14.00 BST/UK time there is a priced online training session Words and sound - using blogs and podcasts to disseminate research to diverse audiences.
It is organised by the UKeig (UK electronic information Group) and run by the expert Andy Tattersall
"We will explore how to write engaging blog posts, including the benefits of employing AI in a useful and meaningful way, without giving up your own voice. Delegates will also learn the basics of how to create, record and host their own podcast. The course will also cover the intersection between the two formats and how they can work together to enhance your research communication activities."
Delegates will: "Learn how to write engaging blog articles; Discover the benefits of using AI to create draft versions of media articles and lay summaries and how to avoid common mistakes using these technologies; Learn the basics of creating and producing your first podcast and how to host it online for free or little cost."
Costs (including presentation slides and documentation) are: UKeiG/CILIP members £35 + VAT; Non-members £65 + VAT
More details and registration at https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1981460&group=201314
Photo by Sheila Webber: life is a bowl of cherries: some of the few from my tree that I could reach, and which hadn't rotted or been nibbled by birds or the local squirrel.

Call for proposals: LOEX Fall Focus

There is a call for proposals for the LOEX Fall Focus 2025, online conference taking place 17-19 November 2025. This is an information literacy conference with the themes of: Artificial Intelligence; Archives & Special Collections; and Sense of Belonging. Deadline for proposals is 5 September 2025.
You can submit proposals for 50-minute presentations "which will be the majority of the conference" or 7-minute lightning talks. You do not need to be a LOEX member (that's a USA association) to submit a proposal.
More information at https://loexfallfocus.org/proposals/
Photo by Sheila Webber: rose, July 2025

Recent articles: Disinformation; low news media literacy; AI literacy; teachers' media literacy; transmedia literacy; media use in lessons

The latest issue of open-access Journal of Media Literacy Education (vol 17 issue 2) contains:
- Disinformation awareness via SMS? Exploring a new modality for boosting adult media literacy by Jannie Lilja, Ester Tottie, Niklas Eklund, Tobias Lindé, and Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv
- Battle cry to “Do the research”: Vulnerability to QAnon, Alt Media, and low news media literacy by Kaye D. Sweetser and Kalyca Lynn Becktel - Classroom contexts: Teachers talk teaching media literacy by Sakshi Bhalla, Michelle R. Nelson, and Michael Spikes
- Insights from educators: Integrating AI literacy into media literacy education in practice by Stephanie Jean Tsang
- Media and information literacy strategies: A joint reflection with teenagers in Brazilian public school by Fábio Henrique Pereira, Cristine Marquetto, Liliane Maria Macedo Machado, Nathália Coelho da Silva, Rafiza Varão, and Mariana Fagundes Ausani
- How to shape digital competences among pre-service teachers: A global expert analysis by Łukasz Tomczyk, Francisco David Guillén-Gámez, Maria Lidia Mascia, and Julio Ruiz-Palmero
- Media literacy in the crosshairs: NATO’s strategic goals and the revival of protectionist pedagogy by Nolan Higdon and Sydney Sullivan
- A systematic review of transmedia literacy: Implications for lifelong learning by Rafel Meyerhofer-Parra - Constructivist media decoding in elementary school: Media literacy instruction across a school year by Faith Rogow, Bridget Crossman, Michele Coolbeth, and Janet Balk
- Using media as a source in lessons: Media literacy methodology and Constructivist Media Decoding by Ayşe Aslı Sezgin Büyükalaca, Chris Sperry, and Cyndy Scheibe
Photo by Sheila Webber: mulberries, July 2025

Webinar: Outdated Research Notions

A free webinar on 31 July 2025 at 12.00-13.00 US EST (which is 17.00=18.00 UK time): Outdated Research Notions: Changing the Conversations on Your Campus
"When it comes to research, students may have received guidance over the course of their academic careers that is no longer effective. For example, students may have been told that domain (.org, .com) is an indicator of credibility for web resources. ... For the last two years, librarians from the University of New Mexico and The Ohio State University have been giving a series of presentations highlighting examples of outdated research guidance often given to students. In this session, participants will learn more about the concept of outdated research notions and explore several examples. A key focus will be on strategies that librarians and course instructors can use to start changing the conversation around outdated notions at their institutions, in order to ensure that students are being provided with guidance that reflects best practices for researching in our current information landscape."
Presenters: Adrienne Warner, Undergraduate Engagement Librarian, University of New Mexico Libraries, USA; Glenn Koelling, Undergraduate Engagement Coordinator for University of New Mexico Libraries, USA; Jane Hammons, Teaching & Learning Engagement Librarian, The Ohio State University Libraries, USA.
Register at https://go.osu.edu/outdatedchangingconversations
Photo by Sheila Webber: names carved on a tree trunk (not by me!), July 2025

Media Literacy report released

The UK's House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published its report on Media literacy yesterday (25 July 2025). Numerous individuals and organisations submitted oral or written evidence.The report: 
- "examines trends in the media and information environment and the need to improve UK media literacy;
- examines the role of the Government and Ofcom in relation to media literacy;
- examines the contributions of online platforms and the media industry to work in this area;
- examines how to improve the media literacy skills of UK adults; and
- examines options for improving children and young people’s media literacy."

I haven't read the report so far, just skimmed through and done my usual search for libraries and for information literacy. Information Literacy primarily appears when the UK's Media and Information Literacy Alliance's submission is being cited or quoted, plus a couple of references to UNESCO's MIL initiatives. Libraries and librarians are mentioned, particularly in the recommendation quoted below, but in the context of public libraries, rather than libraries/librarians in formal education. The report makes a number of recommendations, including embedding media literacy in the school curriculum.
This is the recommendation that mentions libraries most prominently.
"The Government is right to identify the importance of supporting people’s digital skills at their points of interaction with public services. Libraries and librarians are particularly well placed to provide media literacy education for adults as they already serve the information and literacy needs of local communities. We were pleased to see the Government highlight the role of public libraries in its digital inclusion action plan. (Paragraph 175)
"We support efforts to strengthen the ability of local organisations and public services to provide media literacy training. We restate that this must be seen as complementary to, but distinct from, digital inclusion initiatives. We recognise, however, that frontline services and community groups are already stretched in assisting users with other, urgent matters and have limited capacity to take on additional responsibilities. (Paragraph 176)
"The Government’s digital inclusion action plan should build media literacy competencies by enabling more consistent support—for example through leveraging platforms’ funding—for initiatives delivered locally or through public services. The Government must ensure that in relying on trusted local stakeholders for delivery, it does not place further strain on frontline services and community groups without providing additional funding and support. (Paragraph 177)" (p.7)
You can read the report online or in pdf. This is the page with links to submitted evidence as well as to the final report https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9030/media-literacy/publications/
Photo by Sheila Webber: orange rose, July 2025

New articles: Resisting neoliberalism; Celebrating information literacy

The latest issue of open access College & Research Libraries News (volume 86 issue 7) includes:
- Hammons, J., Brayton, S., Gunn, A., Weirick, M., Mallon, M., & Scarnecchia, M. (2025). Celebrating 50 Years of Information Literacy: A Presentation Series. College & Research Libraries News, 86(7), 300. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.86.7.300 (This was the excellent webinar series organised by The Ohio State University Libraries)
- Tucker, K. (2025). Resisting Neoliberalism: Information Literacy Instruction as a Political Act. College & Research Libraries News, 86(7), 273. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.86.7.273
Photo by Sheila Webber: tree in Botanic Gardens, July 2025

IFLA Information Literacy Section Newsletter

The IFLA Information Literacy Section Newsletter (2025 Summer Issue) has been published with "12 articles, grouped into three thematic columns, with contributors from around the world, including Italy, China, Belgium, Bolivia, India, Cyprus, Trinidad & Tobago, Chile, Sri Lanka, and Croatia."  As usual, it's that international mix of information literacy that makes the newsletter particualrly interesting.
To download the newsletter, go to https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/4224
Photo by Sheila Webber: Reflections on Blackheath pond, July 2025

Library Juice Press Annual Paper Contest

The Library Juice Press Annual Paper Contest 2025 has been announced. A number of past winners have addressed information literacy topics. The deadline for submission is 1 September 2025. "The intention of this contest is to encourage and reward good work in the field of library and information studies, humanistically understood, through a monetary award and public recognition. The contest is open to librarians, library students, academics, and others."
"Papers submitted may be pending publication or published (formally or informally) within the past year. Unpublished papers are acceptable if they are publicly accessible (informally published) and written in the past year." The item must not report empirical findings.
For more information go to https://litwinbooks.com/grants-and-awards/paper-contest
Photo by Sheila Webber: Edge of Blackheath pond, July 2025

Recent articles: Librarians' teacher agency; Faculty pedagogy; Data Literacy; Synthesising information

A articles from the last couple of issues (no.s 2 and 3) of portal: libraries and the academy. These articles are all open access.
- Lenker, M. (2025). Thoughts on Synthesizing Information: A Research Skill for Our Time? portal: Libraries and the Academy, 25(3), 441-452. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/pla.2025.a964599. "Synthesizing information from multiple sources is a crucial skill for information literacy, and it is exceedingly important for learning in the 21st century information landscape. An influential 2015 paper by Kacy Lundstrom and colleagues presents a nuanced view of research synthesis from an information literacy perspective, particularly in the rubric they propose for assessing students' synthesis in writing projects. I use the categories in this rubric to reflect on my own piecemeal work on synthesis and pose questions about how to teach this skill more effectively. "
- Pothier, W., & Condon, P. (2025). Data Literacy Skills: Industry Perspectives and Professional Practice. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 25(2), 271-298. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/pla.2025.a955946.
- Baer, A. (2025). The Role of Librarian Relationships in Academic Instruction Librarians' Experiences of Teacher Agency. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 25(2), 341-366. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/pla.2025.a955949. Part 3 of a series of articles based on a survey of North American academic librarians.
- Meals, C., Kowalski, M., & Rusk, F. (2025). Where We Come In: Faculty Research Pedagogy and Implications for Librarian Practice. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 25(2), 367-388. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/pla.2025.a955950. "Research" here means carrying out sceondary research via the literature, not empirical research. The article reports findings from interviews with academics teaching writing composition.
Photo by Sheila Webber: pine branch and spring tree on a sunny day, June 2025

#MIL Cities meeting

In June 2025 there was the first meeting of mayors and representatives of 24 cities piloting the UNESCO’s Guidelines for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Cities. There is an account of the meeting here https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-accelerates-global-piloting-media-and-information-literacy-cities
Photo by Sheila Webber: hydrangea, June 2025

LIANZA conference

The LIANZA conference will be held 23-24 September 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand, with the theme Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au - Sustaining and Changing. Lots of interesting sessions on the programme. The website and registration is here: https://www.lianza.org.nz/conference-2025/
Photo by Sheila Webber, June 2025

Recent articles: Digital literacy; Mobile information literacy; Data Literacy; AI literacy; Conterfeit citations

Volume 51 issue 3 (2025) of the Journal of Academic Librarianship (a priced publication) includes the following:
- Toward a conceptual framework on mobile information literacy in higher education by Maria Pinto, Alicia Segura (open access)
- A scoping review of digital literacy, digital competence, digital fluency and digital dexterity in academic libraries' context by Lesego Makhafola, Martha J. van Deventer, Marlene A. Holmner, Brenda van Wyk (open access)
- What's in a name? Exploring how voluntary library data literacy workshop titles and descriptions affect learner motivations to enroll by Michelle Kelly Schultz (open access) (there is also a correction to one of the tables in issue 4 of the journal)
- Scaffolding AI literacy: An instructional model for academic librarianship by Katherine A. LaFlamme
Go to https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/the-journal-of-academic-librarianship/vol/51/issue/3 

Volume 51 issue 4 (2025) of the Journal of Academic Librarianship includes the following:
- Enhancing library discovery: An approach to understanding user access to electronic resources by Patricia M. Dragon, Janet L. Mayo, Ann Carol Stocks, Rebecca Tatterson (open access)
- Towards digital information literacy guidelines for African libraries: a survey of the relationship between digital and information literacy of university students in Ghana by Martin Gameli Akakpo, Dorothy Owusuah Ahardy, Sita Sarpong Kumankumah
- The citation catastrophe: Propagation of AI-generated counterfeit citations in scholarship by Nathan T. Camp, Jason A. Bengtson, John C. Sandstrom
- Faculty opinion of subject librarians survey by Duane Wilson, Nate Cox, Emily Rodriguez
Go to https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/the-journal-of-academic-librarianship/vol/51/issue/4
Photo by Sheila Webber: hydrangea, June 2025

No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again

The Ministry of Information in Lebanon, UNESCO, and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) have launched a national media and information Literacy campaign No Filter: Believe Everything? Think Again.
There is a press release in English and Arabic here
Photo by Sheila Webber: pine branch, June 2025

Strength and diversity through co creation and curation in library and archive settings

A free online event: ALISS showcase: strength and diversity through co creation and curation in library and archive settings on 17 July 2025 at 13.45-16.45 BST/UK time. "This afternoon event showcases a range of practical projects where library and archive services are harnessing the perspectives and expertise of their current and potential user communities to create more appropriate and better collections and services for all". Speakers are:
- The Student Curator Project: Creating connections through collections and beyond – Catherine Batson and Ivana Jurisic, University of Surrey, UK (running a collaborative staff-student partnership project based around the collections and resources in the Library);
- Liberate the Library: co-production and collaboration with students at the University of Sheffield - Rhian Stephenson, University of Sheffield, UK (discussing The Creative Library (Liberate the Library) Project);
- The Fitba Research Club - Dora Petherbridge, curator, National Library of Scotland, Scotland "The Fitba Research Club’s community curators developed research skills and information literacy to explore a rich history of sporting achievement and to create the Andrew Watson’s XI, an all-star fantasy team of Black footballers and footballers of colour who played in Scotland."
The event will be preceded by ALISS' brief AGM, open to all. To register contact Heather Dawson h.dawson@lse.ac.uk
Photo by Sheila Webber: rhododendron flowers, June 2025

Healthcare Information For All

HIFA: Healthcare Information For All made a statement about the importance of information for health at the World Health Organization's World Health Assembly 2025. You can view it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVniAi6JYLM and it is embedded below. It was read by Dr Meena Nathan Cherian, representing HIFA, who said
"Access to reliable healthcare information is fundamental to achieving universal health coverage. Every person and every health worker needs access to relevant and reliable healthcare information to protect their own health and the health of others.
"In 2023 and 2024, we undertook a global consultation through the Healthcare Information For All global health network. We gathered feedback from 2,400 health professionals, policymakers, librarians, publishers, researchers, and patient representatives.
"The respondents overwhelmingly called on WHO to explicitly champion the goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. While universal access to reliable healthcare information is implicit in the WHO's Constitution, it is not recognised in WHO policy. We urge WHO to explicitly champion this goal and convene stakeholders to develop a global strategy for its realisation. We and our partners stand ready to support."

Webinar: The case for AI literacy

A free webinar: The case for AI literacy on 28 July 2025 at 11.00-12.00 UK time/BST.
" ... you'll hear from Dame Wendy Hall, a leading voice in AI and an advisor to governments and companies around the world. She'll explain why understanding AI is now essential for professionals across all sectors, not just those in technology. Dame Wendy will be joined by a panel of experts to discuss the growing importance of AI literacy as artificial intelligence continues to shape governance, the workplace, and everyday decision-making."
This is also a sales pitch for The University of Southampton’s online MA in Artificial Intelligence, from the sound of it, but the debate could be interesting. Thanks to Richard Wakeford for highlighting this.
Register at https://southampton.streamgo.live/university-of-southampton-ai-event-with-dame-wendy-hall-280725/register
Photo by Sheila Webber: a spectacular rhododendron (it really was that luminous pink), May 2025

New report: Family and intergenerational literacy and learning

UNESCO has published a substantial (360 page) report with thoughtful and detailed accounts of literacy projects in different regions of the world. For the Western countries there is emphasis on projects engaging underserved populations. There is not a focus on information literacy specifically, but certainly some relevant material and initiatives. 

Prins, E., & Zholdoshalieva, R. (Eds.) (2025) Family and intergenerational literacy and learning: international perspectives. UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. ISBN: 978-92-820-1259-8.
Go to https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000393131
Photo by Sheila Webber: rhododendron in the park, May 2025

Webinar: Do As I Say: Authenticity in Teaching Research Practices and Information Literacy

There's a free webinar Do As I Say: Authenticity in Teaching Research Practices and Information Literacy, on 10 July 2025 at 12.00-13.00 US Eastern time (which is 17.00-18.00 BST/UK time) presented by Jane Hammons and organised by Ohio State University Libraries.
"When starting a research project, do you always develop a list of keywords and synonyms before you search? Have you ever cited a source without reading the entire article? Do you always spend a significant amount of time evaluating each source you find? When instructors and librarians teach students how to conduct research, we often outline specific steps that students should take and provide guidelines they should follow. But, do we always follow these steps or guidelines ourselves? If we don't, why not? And what does that mean for the way we teach research and information literacy? This presentation will explore the idea of authenticity in relation to how we teach the research process. Participants will be encouraged to think about how we can approach teaching research and information literacy as it often is, rather than what we think it should look like."
Register at https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6Rtch5_tSK2_1YorcjxCGw#/registrationPhoto by Sheila Webber: bandstand before the band arrive, June 2025

Recording: Developing Scalable Library Research Training

There's a recording (18 minutes) of the webinar Developing Scalable Library Research Training held in May 2025 and organised by the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), a joint project of EDUCAUSE and the Association of Research Libraries. It describes a project at University of California San Diego Library.
"The project developed a structured search protocol to support systematic literature searches and library resource navigation. It follows a linear workflow, incorporating problem-solving actions, systematic search templates, an information needs taxonomy, and worked examples to support information retrieval. Unlike general library research guides, this protocol helps users apply search heuristics and methodologies to support System 1 (intuitive) and System 2 (analytical) problem-solving for more effective search strategy development.
"Its modular design enabled the development of instructional content in multiple formats, including videos, web-based guides, infographics, quizzes, and instructor resources, supporting diverse learning contexts. The structured protocol and modular learning content have been piloted in classrooms, where they received positive initial feedback.
"Beyond modular learning, the protocol serves as a foundation for AI-assisted research support. It was used to configure a custom GPT chatbot, guiding users stepwise through systematic search query development. Initial tests showed promise, but challenges in enforcing workflows and maintaining response consistency highlight the need for refinements to enhance AI-guided research assistance." Thanks to Esther Grassian for alerting me to this.
Go to https://youtu.be/NPrbCe2PlVE
Photo by Sheila Webber: more fern on the wall, June 2025

Webinar: Eye catching research communications

A priced online course Eye catching research communications - using creative tools to make your own videos, animations and graphics will take place on 17 July 2025 12-14.00 BST/UK time, led by Andy Tattersall. Cost is: UKeiG/CILIP members £35 + VAT; Non-members £65 + VAT.
Videos, animations and infographics are powerful methods to catch the attention of wide audiences and help showcase research in ways that traditional activities cannot. ... The session will include live demos as well as provide you with several hacks and shortcuts to help your first outputs be as good as they can be.... The course will also explore AI's potential to support communication activities and highlight pitfalls of being overly reliant on them. Details and registration at https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1968332&group=201314
Photo by Sheila Webber: azalea, May 2025

Webinar: AI and ACRL’s information literacy framework

A free webinar on 11 July 2025 at 12.30 US EST (which is 17.30 BST/UK time) is on AI as it relates to ACRL’s information literacy framework. It is hosted by the Special Libraries Association Academic & Education Community and ACRL's EBSS Education Committee. The speaker is Ladislava Khailova. Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvceqtpzwsHtDYWS_rchrX5m7G3s7BG3DS
Image created by Sheila Webber using Midjourney AI

Registration for LILi [Lifelong Information Literacy] Conference

Registration is open for the free, online 2025 LILi [Lifelong Information Literacy] Conference, taking place on 17 July 2025 (9.45m - 13.30 US PDT, which is 17.45 - 21.30 BST/UK time) and 18 July 2025 (9.45m - 13.30 US PDT, which is 17.45 - 21.30 BST/UK time).
Complete the registration form by 11 July 2025. Register for live participation (limited to 300 simultaneous participants) or just the recordings, or both.
The schedule is here https://lili.libguides.com/lili2025/schedule
To register go to https://tinyurl.com/mw4jzefx 

New articles: Digital health literacy; CPD scale; Information needs of nurses

Latest issue of open-access IFLA Journal (Volume 51, No. 2, June 2025) includes the following:
- TikTok and digital health literacy: A systematic review by Margaret Kristin Merga
- Development and validation of the Continuing Professional Development Scale: A knowledge transfer perspective by Syed Fakhar Abbas, Syeda Hina Batool and Kanwal Ameen
- Information needs and information-seeking behavior of Egyptian nurses during a health crisis: A survey by Amany M. Elsayed, Safaa Salah Ismail, Manar Hamza and Zeinab S. Said
Go to https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/4167
Photo by Sheila Webber: dandelions at different stages, June 2025

Recording: Information Literacy Disciplinarity and Values

There is a recording (1 hour 12 minutes) of the webinar Information Literacy Disciplinarity and Values, that took place on 30 June 2025 as part of Ohio State University Libraries information literacy series. The presenters are Professor Clarence Maybee and Dr Karen Kaufmann.
Go to https://youtu.be/rSfPmIzfU6c?si=WHxmtysorHD33yTy

Publish or perish game

Max Hui Bai has released a (priced) game, Publish or perish, about the pressures of academic publishing "Players race to publish manuscripts with useless nonsense while sabotaging each other's research and delivering "very helpful" comments, Reviewer 2 style" (for those not into academic publishing "reviewer 2" is the highly critical reviewer who appears to have no clue about the subject/methods but nevertheless hacks into you, or who seems to be deliberately torpedoing your work, or who just demands a large amount of fiddly / pointless change).
It is available in English or Chinese and has some expansion packs: go to https://publishorperish.games/
Not to be confused with The Publishing Trap (though if you are interested in one, you likely will be interested in the other)
Photo by Sheila Webber: books in the library, May 2025