Critical IL and AI Literacy

Baer, A. (2026). When Is Critical AI Literacy Critical? Critical AI Literacy Discourse and Principles of Critical Pedagogy. Library Trends, 74(4), 742-759.  https://doi.org/10.1353/lib.2026.a992003 (open access)
"In academic librarianship, calls to teach a version of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy that requires generative AI (GenAI) use are usually accepted as common sense. Most in our profession would agree that libraries and instruction librarians need to respond to technological changes and to help prepare students to engage with the research tools available to them. At the same time, the well-documented costs and harms bound up in the development and use of GenAI technologies are in conflict with the values and goals of many librarians, especially those who align their teaching with critical pedagogy principles like examining systems of power and social and political inequities, investigating assumptions and working for a more just world, and affirming student and teacher agency. To explore current and potential ways to teach about GenAI technologies through a critical pedagogy lens, I examine discourse on (critical) AI literacy and related resources and how they reflect or deflect critical pedagogy principles."
Photo by Sheila Webber: foxglove, June 2026

Registration open: #LiLi conference: #AI Meets Information Literacy

Registration is now open for the free online LiLi (Lifelong Information Literacy) Annual Conference, 23 July 2026 (9.30 – 14:10 US PDT, which is 17.30-22.10 BST) and 24 July 2026 (9.30- 12.50 US PDT). The conference theme is Artificial Intelligence Meets Information Literacy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future.
The programme is at https://tinyurl.com/yky9n3va I am very happy to say that I was invited to start the 24 July day addressing its theme of AI and information literacy! There are lots of interesting talks over the 2 days, so I'm very much looking forward to it. 
Register by 17 July at https://tinyurl.com/ye9aurdt Register for live participation (limited to 300 simultaneous participants) + recordings, or just a link to the recordings. 

Call for papers: #RAILS

The call for proposals for RAILS (Research Applications in Information and Library Studies) which will be held 1-3 December 2026 in Adelaide, Australia, closes on 20 July 2026. The conference includes the Australasian Information Educators' Symposium (AIES), a Doctoral Consortium, and Keynote Sessions. The conference theme is New Ideas, New Beginnings.
They "welcome submissions across a wide range of topics, including professional practice, community engagement, knowledge organisation, literacy and reading cultures, archives and records management, digital inclusion, leadership, and innovative service delivery. ... we particularly encourage contributions that explore the broader professional, social, and cultural dimensions of library and information work."
Go to https://railsconference.wordpress.com/call-for-proposals/
Photo by Sheila Webber: Sculpture (Lisa Slade: the life of stars), Adelaide, July 2019

Webinar: ACRL Framework for Information Literacy Sandbox

A free webinar hosted by ACRL's EBSS Education Committee is on 10 July 2026 at 12.30pm US EST (17.30 BST) on the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy Sandbox. 
"The webinar features Sarah Hood, Reference and Instruction Librarian at Santa Fe Community College [USA]. She will share her experiences exploring the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy Sandbox: a tool for both finding and sharing instructional materials. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the Sandbox's relevance to academic libraries, how to search for and submit resources, and why contributing to the Sandbox matters for professional visibility." 
The webinar is at http://csulb.zoom.us/j/5629854509 (no registration). 
The Sandbox is at https://sandbox.acrl.org/
Photo by Sheila Webber: a busy bee, June 2026 (I think this could be a foxtail lily)

Information Literacy and democracy

Two articles today focusing on Information Literacy and democracy, both by Bill Johnston. Firstly an article that will form part of a special issue of Information Matters (on Information Literacy: A Discipline for the Future) that Bill, Clarence Maybee, Karen Kaufmann, John Budd and I are currently putting together. I will link to more of these articles in future posts. 
- Johnston, B. (2026, June 5). Information Literacy (IL) and political engagement in a time of information dystopia: Supporting deliberative democracy and citizen’s assemblies. Information Matters. https://informationmatters.org/2026/06/information-literacy-il-and-political-engagement-in-a-time-of-information-dystopia-supporting-deliberative-democracy-and-citizens-assemblies/

Secondly, an article that is published by the Commonweal Scottish think-tank and also in the newspaper The National which also refers to the place of IL:
Johnston, B. (2026, June 25). Where now for informed citizenship post-Election? Commonweal. https://www.commonweal.scot/articles/magazine-n3egl
Image created with Midjourney AI

Webinar: Training on Generative AI and Hybrid Influence

The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) is running a free online session on 6 July 2026 14.30-16.30 CEST (so, an hour earlier in the UK, 6 hours earlier US Eastern time): Training on Generative AI and Hybrid Influence – How do we make sense of what we hear and see? 
"The session begins by establishing a shared analytical foundation around key concepts, including generative AI, deepfakes, synthetic media, hybrid influence, and AI-mediated communication. It then examines how these developments challenge existing assumptions about authenticity, trust, verification, and media literacy practice. Through European case studies and applied discussion, participants will analyse how synthetic and manipulated content circulates across digital environments, how influence campaigns operate in practice, and what this means for journalism, education, civic participation, and democratic resilience. Particular attention will be given to the evolving role of media literacy in synthetic information environments, including emerging European approaches to AI and media literacy competencies. The session is designed not only to deepen understanding but also to support participants in adapting their own educational, journalistic, and civic practices to a rapidly changing media ecosystem." Go to https://edmo.eu/training/edmo-training-on-generative-ai-and-hybrid-influence-how-do-we-make-sense-of-what-we-hear-and-see/Photo by Sheila Webber: fern, June 2026

New articles: News literacy; Media literacy; Fact checking; Disinformation

The latest issue of the open-access Journal of Media Literacy Education (volume 18 no.1) comprises:
- Building resilience: The influence of the format on the effectiveness of news literacy messages by Patrick F. A. van Erkel, Peter Van Aelst, David N. Hopmann, Claes H. de Vreese, and Joren Van Nieuwenborgh
- Promoting News Literacy with epistemological beliefs, IFLA checklist and AI: Insights from a teacher training program in Italy by Flavio Manganello
- Don’t tell me how to fact-check; show me, and let me try! A media literacy intervention with sixth-graders by Thomas Nygren and Carl-Anton Werner Axelsson
- Productive Disruptions: An equity oriented framework for civic media literacy in the digital era by Carlos Jimenez, Lynn Schofield Clark, and Johnny Ramirez
- The Creative Participation pedagogical approach to media literacy education by Amanda Levido
- Teacher reflections on media and information literacy in Vietnamese K-12 schools: Current practices, challenges, and pathways for improvement by Tinh T.T Le, Minh Tran, Anh Dương, Huong T. Pham, Vy Tran, and Daniel Jackson
- From Y to Z: A cross-generational examination of new media literacy and online information searching strategy by Taibe Kulaksız, Ali Geriş, and Sena Özşirin
- From consumers to creators: Social media information literacy of university students by Thuy Thanh Bui, Quyen Trang Mai Nguyen, Tu Thi Thanh Nguyen, and Minh Cao Luu
- Leveraging critical social media literacy to safeguard youth against violent radicalization and extremism by Muhammad Akram, Adeela Arshad-Ayaz, and Muhammad Ayaz Naseem
- Didactic aspects of education of primary teachers with a focus on strengthening their media literacy and fighting disinformation. Experience from the Czech Republic by Kamil Kopecký and Veronika Krejčí
Go to https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/jmle/vol18/iss1/
Photo by Sheila Webber: border at the botanics, June 2026

Ofcom: Statement on Media Literacy

Ofcom (the UK's watchdog on communications and media literacy) has just published the final version of How to promote Media Literacy: Statement on recommendations for online platforms, broadcasters and services (there was a draft version for consultation and this is the amended version). They say that the recommendations are "are designed to achieve four broad aims" which are that: 
- Services are designed to give people meaningful choice in how they engage with content (Recommendations 1 and 2).
- People are empowered to actively manage and control their own experience (Recommendations 3 to 6). 
- Services contribute to the broader media literacy landscape through partnerships and outreach to build trust (Recommendations 7 to 9). 
- [online platforms etc. are] driving continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation of what works (Recommendation 10). 
The recommendation document includes (for each recommendation) a summary of the responses to the original document and Ofcom's response to the responses, plus their final formulation.
This is the link to the documents  https://www.ofcom.org.uk/media-use-and-attitudes/media-literacy/how-to-promote-media-literacy-consultation-on-recommendations-for-online-platforms-broadcasters-and-services
Photo by Sheila Webber: dandelion clocks, May 2026

Generative AI in Libraries (GAIL) Conference.

Registration is open for the Generative AI in Libraries (GAIL) Conference, free online 13-16 July 2026, at 13.00-16.00 US EST (18.00-21.00 BST) each day. 
"GAIL aims to promote a deeper understanding of how generative AI can revolutionize library services like instruction, research support, collection management, access services, outreach and collaboration, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations this new technology brings to libraries."  Live participation is limited to 1,000 people.
More details at https://shsulibraryguides.org/genailibraries

Chatting Info Lit: Desmystifying the publication process

The latest episode (14) of the Chatting Info Lit podcast has been published: Desmystifying the publication process. Jess Haigh, Managing Editor of the Journal of Information Literacy (JIL) "sets out the JIL publishing process step by step, offering some great tips along the way. If you’re booked on (or have attended) a workshop on writing for research by JIL editors, this podcast is a great place to start!" 
It is avaliable at: 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-fourteen-demystifying-the-publication-process/id1673423506?i=1000770961870 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18iLL0XJhLMg9YW8IXcPSi 
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chatting-info-lit-podcast/ep14 
Transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RxD_EZnPshCO77s-RG62_kPbr6YyU4po/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105844347620717531095&rtpof=true&sd=true
Photo by Sheila Webber: Sheffield Botanic Gardens, May 2026 - green shade is very welcome in the current hot weather

Registration opens: International Conference on Information Literacy

Early bird registration for the International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL) Africa 2026 is now open. The conference takes place at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, 26–30 October 2026. The conference theme is Empowering Societies through Information Literacy: AI, Data, and Open Media for Sustainable Futures.
Go to http://library.nwu.ac.za/icil-2026-registration

LOEX outputs

The LOEX (US information literacy conference) took place on 7-9 May 2026 and presentations are mostly available. Today I'll link to the pages with lightning talks: https://loexconference.org/lightning-talks-accepted-thu/ and https://loexconference.org/lightning-talks-accepted-saturday/

As a bonus, here's a blog posts from LOEX delegates:
- Ball, E. (2026, June 20). A (Long Overdue) LOEX 2026 Recap. ACRLog. https://acrlog.org/2026/06/20/loex-2026/
- Butorac, K. & Finn, B. (n.d.) LOEX and ARLIS/NA: Two CSB+SJU Librarians Travel to Out-of-State Conferences. https://www.csbsju.edu/libraries/library-blogs/loex/

Book recommendations

From Eleanor Ball, some summer book recommendations "Critical Pedagogy, AI, and More" https://acrlog.org/2026/05/14/summer-break-book-recommendations/
As my own recommendation I'll give Pedagodzilla: Exploring the Realm of Pedagogy which is open access online and can also be bought as a paperback. It is worth reading it through chapter by chapter (each chapter explains a learning theory with reference to something in (pop) culture - starting with "How do spooky Muppets guide Scrooge through transformative learning?") https://www.pedagodzilla.com/the-book/

New book: Media and Information Literacy as Civic Practice

Grosse, M. & Clarke-De Reza, s. (Eds). (2026). Media and Information Literacy as Civic Practice: Lessons from the College Classroom. Taylor Francis. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003628507/media-information-literacy-civic-practice-meghan-grosse-sara-clarke-de-reza
Interestingly, a minority of contributors come from the library or communications field and the introduction (you can read it free as a sample) identifies that they want to take ML and IL out of their silos.
Photo by Sheila Webber: lovely tree, May 2026

Media and information literacy: combating hate speech in the digital age

Today is United Nations International Day for Countering Hate Speech. UNESCO has organised a webinar today (18 June) at 13.30 CEST (12.30 BST) Countering Hate Speech in the Digital Age: Promoting Information Integrity and Resilient Societies. Short notice, but I only just found out about it. "The event will bring together experts to discuss current challenges and responses to hate speech in digital environments, including the role of Media and Information Literacy in fostering inclusive and resilient societies" 
Register at https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RmmOuj6OQ1O10SkETpVldw#/registration

However, if you can't make the webinar you can look at the new 16-page publication it is launching: 
Roksa-Zubcevic, A. (2026). Media and information literacy: combating hate speech in the digital age. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000398298? 
It sets out the issues and then looks at a MIL response and makes recommendations. 
Not its main purpose, but a useful bonus for this publication is a list at the end of some UNESCO MIL publications (e.g. the Prague Declaration, though unfortunately not the Alexandria Declaration) - UNESCO has moved them around over the years and they can be hard to track down.
Photo by Sheila Webber: Poppy, May 2026

Google: liable for fakery; cannabilising

A couple of items of news and opinion about Google. Firstly a court in Germany has ruled that although Google has previously been found not responsible for incorrect information in its search results, it is liable for misleading and defamatory information in AI summaries. 
"Because the AI summarizes results in its own words, evaluates their content, and presents them in a structured format, the judges ruled that Google creates entirely new, independent statements that go beyond mere links." 
Connor, R. (2026, May 12). German court holds Google liable for fake AI answers. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/german-court-holds-google-liable-for-fake-ai-answers/a-77527661?

Then a perspective from the Register on Google search
Claburn, T. (2026, May 25). Google is cannibalizing the web to feed AI. The Register. https://www.theregister.com/ai-ml/2026/05/25/google-is-cannibalizing-the-web-to-feed-ai/5244641 Subtitle "Google Search used to direct users to web sites; AI Mode will keep them in Google's garden" 
Photo by Sheila Webber: Let's think of chocoloate, rather than of how Google has declined; Lindt world of chocolate, May 2026

Call for Participation for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026

The Call for Participation for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is now open. People aged 18–30 from anywhere in the world can participate in teams of 2-6. The theme is Play Your Part: Youth Design the Future of Media and Information Literacy. Participants are encouraged "to collaborate, innovate, and develop practical solutions that strengthen Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in their communities." Submission is between 6 July and 16 August 2026. 
Proposals can be one of the following categories: Games; Applications/Websites; Radio programmes/Podcasts; Artistic work such as comics, short videos, documentaries, etc.; Educational toolkits; Youth organization campaign; Community-based interventions; Other creative modalities for innovative interventions. You submit a proposal document and a pitch video (you don't have to produce the actual application for submission). 
For more information go to https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-youth-hackathon-2026?hub=750 

The 2025 edition included 1,200 teams from 138 countries - more information about last year's winners is here https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/global-youth-lead-way-media-and-information-literacy-meet-unesco-hackathon-2025-winners 

Advancing Social Justice Through Curriculum Realignment

An interesting open access book:
Mfengu, A. et al. (2025). Advancing Social Justice Through Curriculum Realignment: Centering Scholarly Communication in LIS Curricula. UCT Libraries Press https://openbooks.uct.ac.za/uct/catalog/book/79
Photo by Sheila Webber: roses, May 2026

Digital Co-Creation with Nursing Students: Enhancing Digital Competencies

On 25 June 14.00-15.30 BST (UK time) there is a free online event: DigiCONS (Digital Co-Creation with Nursing Students: Enhancing Digital Competencies).
"This online session brings together educators, researchers and practitioners from Scotland, Portugal and Greece, who are passionate about embedding equitable, human‑centred digital competencies into the future of nursing education." They will "explore innovative approaches, share international perspectives and build connections across institutions committed to advancing digital readiness in nursing curricula."
There is a project website. The organising Committee (Robert Gordon University, Scotland) is Dr Konstantina Martzoukou, Dr Errol Luders, Emma Hay-Higgins and Jennifer Elliott.
Registration at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/co-creating-the-future-of-digital-competencies-in-nursing-education-tickets-1990315901439
Photo by Sheila Webber: relaxation in the Botanic Gardens, May 2026

Full Fact Report 2026

A new report from Full Fact, a UK fact checking agency: Full Fact Report 2026: A system under strain: strengthening the UK’s democratic information. There are sections on: The state of the UK’s information environment (based on the fact checking they have done, a survey on trust and analysis of platforms' tactics, political pressures etc.); Impacts on democracy and the case for reform; Global lessons for UK policymakers; UK governance, regulation and institutional preparedness; Building democratic information resilience. 
They do recommend more attention to media literacy (information literacy only gets mentioned a couple of times in the context of "media and information literacy"). One of their recommendations is "Embed media literacy across the curriculum Support the integration of media and information literacy across the curriculum at all stages, including an understanding of AI-mediated information, with the provision of teacher training, guidance and high-quality teaching resources environment", also "Fund long-term media literacy delivery capacity" and "Introduce a statutory duty to provide media literacy. The latter involves supporting "effective, evidence-based media and information literacy among users" including a requirement "to embed media literacy by design" . 
The report is at https://fullfact.org/policy/reports/full-fact-report-2026/
Photo by Sheila Webber: rhododendrons and the Tower of Arts, May 2026. I realised after I took this that the tower looks photoshopped/AI-ed in, but that really is a raw shot with the University of Sheffield's tower (home of Europe's tallest paternoster) visible from Weston Park (so no disinformation!)

Books: infolit and transformational learning; Critical Information Literacy

I need to catch up on highlighting some books I'd missed, today it's 
- Hess, A.N. (2025). Information Literacy and Critical Thinking: Using Perspective Transformation to Break Information Bubbles. ALA. Item Number 979-8-89255-324-7. Cost: ALA Member US$53.99, others $59.99. https://alastore.ala.org/ILandCT "Hess invites academic librarians to consider critical librarianship, pedagogy, and information literacy instruction in tandem with transformative learning theory, demonstrating tangible ways to integrate these concepts into their practice." 
- Hornick, J.N. & Kehoe, L. (Eds.) (2025). Critical Information Literacy Applications for All Libraries. ALA. Item Number 979-8-89255-218-9. Cost: ALA Member US$49.49, others $54.99. https://alastore.ala.org/libcil There are sections on: Theoretical Frameworks of Critical Information Literacy (3 chapters); Critical Information Literacy Programming (7 chapters); Professional Development Programs (6 chapters); Critical Information Literacy Lesson Plans (8 plans).
Photo by Sheila Webber: under the willow tree, May 2026

MIL Curriculum for Asia

There's a short interview on the UNESCO website with Professor Arul Selvan, who leads development of a Media and Information Literacy Curriculum (based on the UNESCO MIL Curriculum) for South and Southeast Asia. 
UNESCO. (2026, June 6). Shaping a new generation: Integrating Media and Information Literacy into India’s education system. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/shaping-new-generation-integrating-media-and-information-literacy-indias-education-system
Photo by Sheila Webber: greenery, including stickyweed, May 2026

Declining digital literacy - Australia

A news stories comments that "Australian students have recorded their worst-ever results in national tests that measure digital literacy, with just 37 per cent of year 10 students [about 15 years old] and 50 per cent of year 6 students [about 11 years old] assessed as proficient."
They are commenting on the recently released results from the large scale test on ICT literacy carried out by Australia's National Assessment Program (NAP) in 2025. The news release from NAP mentions that the year 10 result is "the lowest percentage observed since the assessment's inception [in 2005]." This despite the fact that participants report using digital tools of various kinds at home and at school.
Although the full report from NAP has the most detail, I've included the news report as it has comments from various experts, providing different views - from "Blaise Joseph, a former teacher and current director of education at the Centre for Independent Studies" saying that AI was making digital literacy skills redundant (so perhaps the low score was no big deal) to "Therese Keane, a professor of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at La Trobe University" seeing AI making digital literacy more, not less, important.
News report: Duffy, C. & McAloon, C. (2026, May 26). School students have grown up online but test shows digital literacy at new low https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-27/school-students-digital-literacy-at-new-low-test-shows/106724164
Full report on the NAP site: https://www.nap.edu.au/nap-sample-assessments/results-and-reports (elsewhere on the site you can find the survey instrument etc. and there is an interactive statistics dashboard)
Photo by Sheila Webber: bearded iris, May 2026

New articles: AI; Top trends; why librarianship

The latest issue of open-access College and Research Libraries News (vol 87 issue 6) includes:
- 2026 Top Trends in Academic Libraries: A Review of the Trends and Issues by the ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee
- Envisioning AI’s Role in Libraries: Perspectives on Innovation, Equity, and Responsibility Across Career Stages by Russell Michalak, Trevor A. Dawes, Ava Wallace
- PEACEful Use of AI: A Tool for AI Education by Kimberly Shotick
- Information as Currency: The Social and Cultural Value of Knowledge in the Algorithmic Age by Chereeka Garner
- Wellness and Intentionality: A Year of Exploring Why We Choose Librarianship by Rose Beranis, Justine Cotton
Go to: https://crln.acrl.org/index.php/crlnews/issue/view/1697/showToc
Photo by Sheila Webber: rhododendron, May 2026

Slides on deepfakes

The UK's Media and Information Literacy Alliance (MILA) has shared slides from a webinar on AI and deefakes, organised by MILA with Deep Truth
You can find it here: https://mila.org.uk/deepfakes/

Image created using Midjourney AI, this is not a deepfake of any living cat or butterfly, to my knowledge

Free online conference: Information in Repair

The 54th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association for Information Science (CAIS) is free online 22-26 June 2026. The times given on the program are in Pacific Daylight Time (which is, for example, 8 hours behind UK time (BST) and 9 hours behind Paris time. The theme is Information in Repair. 
Refreshingly "There is no need to register-Zoom links will be available on the program site" 
The program is here https://cais2026.ca/program/ There are numerous sessions that catch the eye including: 
- Critical pedagogies and practices for care and connection in online teaching and learning (Panel) with Tami Oliphant, Danielle Allard, Heather Hill, Kirk MacLeod, Lorisia MacLeod, & Pamela McKenzie 
- Reparative information literacies of civic engagement for racial justice in the American South: Exploratory qualitative perspectives of public library staff in the domain of economy: Bharat Mehra, Kimberly Black, Baheya Jaber, & Kaurri C. Williams-Cockfield 
- The Actuality of the obsolete: Inscriptions, traces, and the documentary life of zines: Iulian Vamanu

New articles: Use of AI; faculty development; upkilling with systematic reviews; guided inquiry; reflection; mis- and disinformation; open source communities

The latest issue (vol 20 issue 1) of the open access Journal of Information Literacy includes
- Critical thinking, disillusion, and dissent: Information literacy in a refused knowledge information landscape by Madelene Logren 
- The anatomy of collaborative open-source software development: A practice-based view on how open-source communities work by Renesa Tamannum, José Apolinário Teixeira , Gunilla Widén 
- Disinformation and gender issues: A study with young people from Salvador and Porto Alegre (Brazil) by Daniela Silva, Ana Cristina Prates, Josiene da Silva Niesciur 
- Digital literacy challenges in higher education: Information literacy in the face of misinformation by José G Casas-Puente 
- Information and digital literacy at school: A BRIDGE between critical thinking and equality values by Dora Sales, Christina Banou, Mara Morelli, Anna Antoniazzi, İpek Şencan, Serap Kurbanoğlu, Heidi Enwald, Noora Hirvonen, Stéphane Goldstein, Sarah Pavey, Konstantina Martzoukou, Petros Kostagiolas 
- Guided inquiry design for online information literacy media by Nove E Variant Anna, Miyarso Dwi Ajie, Piyapat Jarusawat, Yollanda Nundy Alshafa 
- Teacher, trainer, or facilitator? by Katie Smith, Jessica Waite 
- From one-shots to assignment design: Developing a library-led faculty development program by Nathaniel King, Alena Manjuck, Yvonne Tran 
- Subject librarian reflections on upskilling to support staff and students with systematic reviews: Our experience at UWE Bristol by Hannah Poore, Philip O'Shaughnessy 
- Promoting reflection by students on their use of information by Andrew K. Shenton 
- Articulating generative AI information literacy competencies: An ACRL Framework–driven model for academic libraries by Ladislava Khailova, Melissa Netzband Wathen , Melissa Jones 
- Adding a simple log to in-text citations to strengthen information literacy and argumentation while blocking casual misuse of generative AI by Peter Tamas, Leonie Kamminga 
plus book reviews and two reports on the 2026 LILAC conference (by Jane Pothecary and Tom Cross) 
Go to https://journals.cilip.org.uk/jil/issue/view/58 
Photo by Sheila Webber: spring roses, May 2026

Supercharged by AI

In the latest episode of the IATUL (International Assiciation of University Libraries) podcast Beyond the Shelves (hosted by Vicky Grant and Alanna Ross) Maria De Brasdefer and Louise Hisayasu talk about Supercharged by AI an exhibition on how artificial intelligence impacts our online lives.
The podcast is at https://open.spotify.com/episode/4geRvGBxSHac3mEOi7r1Qr
Photo by Sheila Webber: Icelandic poppies, May 2026

Communities of Practice for the Advancement of Library Instruction

This is the book connected with the course I blogged yesterday: I don't think I blogged this open access book when it was published:
Rath, L., Davies Hoffman, K. & Elmore, J. (2025). Communities of Practice for the Advancement of Library Instruction: An OER curriculum. Pressbooks. https://copali.pressbooks.sunycreate.cloud/
They say "This OER provides a curriculum for librarians to create a community of practice related to library instruction. The authors provide everything you would need, including application materials, session agendas, reading lists, and track descriptions."
Photo by sheila Webber: hollyhocks in the botanic gardens, May 2026

Applications for COPALI 2026

Applications are open for the online course/ Community of Practice: Communities of Practice for the Advancement of Library Instruction (COPALI) Deadline for applications is 4 June 2026.
You complete six one week modules asynchronously June 29 - Aug 10 and then there is a final synchronous event the following week. Each module has a different leader and the modules are: Foundations of Instruction; ACRL Framework; Working Within the One Shot; Active learning & classroom management; Collaboration with Faculty; Assessment. Features include "
Connect and collaborate with librarians facing similar teaching challenges; Apply evidence-based instructional strategies to your own practice" Librarians from any country can apply to take part.
Go to https://rath.phd/copali2026 for more information on the course and how to apply.
Photo by Sheila Webber: wild rose, May 2026

Horizon Report 2026

The latest EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition has been published. Using the Delphi method, this gives the perspective of (mainly North American) educational technology experts' views on the trends for the Higher Education sector. In addition to a STEEP analysis (aka a PESTLE analysis without the L), this year they identify "Signals of change" (which "point to early, often surprising, indicators of how teaching and learning might evolve.) 
The STEEP analysis has a good deal of AI in it, including under the "Social" factor "AI is reshaping trust in information. AI is changing how people decide what to trust by weakening traditional signs of credibility such as knowing who wrote something, where the information came from, and whether it was built through visible steps, including drafting, citing, and checking sources over time. ... Colleges and universities will increasingly need to help students focus on the skills underneath any tool: evaluating claims, checking evidence, explaining reasoning, and verifying information." hmmm - so .. information literacy needed? (sadly, that is not what they propose) 
The "Signals of Change" section presents practical examples from the (not very "surprising" imho) areas:
Evolving Use Cases for AI Technologies; 
AI Governance and Trust; 
The Changing Landscape of Education Systems; 
Attempts to Improve the ROI of Higher Education; External Pressures on Education Stakeholders. 
This year they don't present alternative scenarios, perhaps because all of the scenarios would end up looking grim (certainly last year's ones all seemed dystopian to me). 
Although I realise I'm sounding a bit sceptical, I do think it is always worth reading this report as it presents the consensus amongst people who have power of educational tech budgets, and does present some interesting examples. Also, it is concisely written. An omission is a statement about whether or not AI was used in producing it (a bit ironic, considering the nature of the report).
Go to  https://library.educause.edu/resources/2026/5/2026-educause-horizon-report-teaching-and-learning-edition 
Photo by Sheila Webber: a horizon, Vancouver, 2024

New articles: AI + IL; Data literacy; Gamification; Services to visually impaired; Virtual reference; International students

The latest issue of the Journal of Academic Librarianship (vol 52 issue 3) includes the following (priced, unless it says they are open access):
- How artificial intelligence is reshaping information literacy in academic libraries: A global Scientometric analysis (2020–2025) by Munazza Jabeen, Claudia Lux (open access)
- How academic libraries can intervene in the frustrating academic information seeking of international students in China by Ming Zhu, Yidang Wang, Yixuan Cao
- Librarians' understanding of instruction in virtual reference services: A just-in-time learning perspective by Nove E. Variant Anna, K. Kiran
- Supporting blind, visually impaired, and print disabled students: Are academic libraries doing enough? by Dick Kawooya et al.
- Breaking the ice: A social exchange study on gamification, library anxiety, and the willingness to return at the University of Malta Library by Ryan Scicluna (open access)
- Digital reference tools and information literacy: Adoption patterns among university communities and their implications for libraries by Shakir Khan, Saad Alzahrani, Nazia Salauddin
- From information to data literacy: Faculty readiness and alignment in the community college by Jeonghyun Kim, Brady Lund, Nelson Santana
Go to https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/the-journal-of-academic-librarianship/vol/52/issue/3
Photo by Sheila Webber: rhododendron, May 2026

Webinar: How does Information Literacy in the First Language Contribute to the Development of Information Literacy in the Second Language?

ASIS&T US Northeast Chapter has organised a webinar: How does Information Literacy in the First Language Contribute to the Development of Information Literacy in the Second Language? on 2 July 2026 at 15.00-16.00 US EDT (20.00-21.00 BST). Free to ASIS&T members, US $25 to others. Presented by Chengyuan Yu (incoming Assistant Professor in the School of Information Science at the University of Kentucky, USA).
"This webinar presents a study examining the mechanisms through which multilingual students’ information literacy (IL) experiences in their first language contribute to their perceived ability to engage in IL practices in a second language. Drawing on translanguaging theory, social cognitive theory, and research on cross-linguistic literacy transfer, the study investigates the interplay among first-language IL experiences, translanguaging self-efficacy, transpositioning self-efficacy, and second-language IL self-efficacy. In addition to variable-centered analyses, a person-centered approach is employed to identify distinct learner profiles based on students’ first-language IL experiences, translanguaging self-efficacy, transpositioning self-efficacy and examine the differences regarding their second-language IL self-efficacy. Findings highlight the critical role of multilingual resources in shaping IL development, offering implications for more inclusive, asset-based pedagogies in multilingual and higher education contexts."
Register at: https://associationforinformationscienceandtechnologyasist.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/OOFlRleUaCqCD
Photo by Sheila Webber: narrow path through the greenery, Botanic Gardens, May 2026

University library outreach for transition

McCabe, K. (2026, May 18). Using university library outreach to demystify the transition from high school to higher education. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/using-university-library-outreach-demystify-transition-high-school-higher-education (I think this was sponsored by University of Northern British Columbia, which is why it's open access, but it's still a useful example of information literacy)
Photo by Sheila Webber: Solomon's seal plants, Sheffield Botanical Gardens, May 2026

Online course: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and beyond

The UK electronic information Group (UKeiG) has organised a half-day online CPD course YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and beyond: video marketing for libraries and cultural organisations on 25 June 2026, 10 am to 1 pm BST. The Course leader is Ned Potter. Cost is: UKeiG/CILIP members £50 + VAT; Non-members £80 + VAT.
More info and registration at https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2061428&group=201314
Photo by Sheila webber: rhododendron, May 2026

Webinar: Project Outcome for Academic Libraries 101

There is a free webinar from ACRL on 21 May 2026 at 14.00 US EST (19.00 BST): Project Outcome for Academic Libraries 101. Project outcome helps "libraries understand and share the true impact of their services and programs with simple surveys and an easy-to-use process to measure and analyze outcomes. Project Outcome is a free toolkit offering libraries access to training, data analytics, and standardized surveys that measure outcomes in key library service areas." 
One of the areas in the toolkit is Instruction "Services or programs to assist students in their coursework and enhance their learning. Examples include: instruction sessions in classes, library orientation programs, or topic-specific workshops." (i.e. including information literacy education). 
Register at: https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mVr2EKYnRjSQUu45Ow76yw#/registration
Photo by Sheila Webber, cherry blossom in May 2026

New items: Graduate students; Outreach; AI Literacy; Digital Reference Services; Google classroom

These are all open access.
- Desilets, M.R. & Pendell, K. (2026) Building Connections with Graduate Students Through Credit-Bearing Instruction. RUSQ: A Journal of Reference and User Experience, 61(3), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.61.3.8668 
- Mixon, N, Johnson, A. & Taylor, J,. (2026). Microsites as Outreach Tools: A Case for Targeted Engagement in Academic Libraries. RUSQ: A Journal of Reference and User Experience, 61(3), 5-8. https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.61.3.8666 
- Li, L. & Coates, K. (2026). Navigating the Generative AI Wave: AI Literacy Instruction in Academic Libraries Today.  https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/lib-facpresent/313 [a powerpoint presentation about the approach specifically at Georgia Southern University Libraries, USA]
- The Infosphere: Nigerian Journal of Knowledge and Information Studies: Vol. 1 No. 1 & 2 (2026) contains, for example: March, M. & Yusuf, D. Information Literacy and Digital Reference Services in Academic Libraries in Nigeria https://journals.fuotuoke.edu.ng/index.php/njkis/ 
- Saleh, S. (2026) Implications of Online Learning Environment and Google Classroom https://dapp.orvium.io/deposits/69a5ca66e6caf72bc3f50de7/view [This is a student work but looks interesting]
Photo by Sheila Webber: dandelion heads, May 2026

MLA-EBSCO Collaboration for Information Literacy Prize

There is a call for submissions for the Modern Language Association-EBSCO Collaboration for Information Literacy Prize There are up to two annual awards of $500 each for coursework developed in collaboration between department faculty members and academic librarians in literature, language, or related disciplines. Deadline for submissions is 1 July 2026. It looks like you can make submissions from any country.
"The award recognizes successful integration of the disciplinary objectives of the course with learning objectives in information literacy, as defined in the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education." Submissions should relate to teaching in the current or previous calendar year.
More information at https://www.mla.org/Resources/Career/MLA-Grants-and-Awards/MLA-EBSCO-Collaboration-for-Information-Literacy-Prize
Photo by Sheila Webber: flowers in Mason's Regency china, May 2026

Transforming higher education

There has been a UNESCO report on the future of university education, stemming from the 2022 World Higher Education Conference and consultations following on from that. There isn't any mention of information literacy (or any other kind of literacy other than a mention "advanced" literacy) but one of the seven guiding principles is "Establishing a human-centred role for digital technologies and AI" which includes the statements (p27) "In recent decades, information has become much more accessible while its volume has increased considerably. And, while there are many tools that help us process these vast amounts of information and data (and here AI offers important strategies and tools), it still falls to human beings, both individually and collectively, to generate knowledge and understanding. This is where universities and other higher education institutions come in; one of their contemporary roles is to enhance the capabilities of individuals and societies to advance the ethical and equitable use of digital technologies."
UNESCO. (2026). Transforming higher education: Global collaboration on visioning and action. UNESCOhttps://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000397582
Photo by Sheila Webber: rhododendron in bloom, May 2026

Multispecies Information Science

A new book "shifting the focus beyond humans to explore the rich and complex realms of information and knowledge shared with animals, plants, microbes, technologies, and landscapes." It includes When animals teach: Lessons for information pedagogy and Urban dog parks as information grounds: A multispecies family perspective
Solhjoo, N. (Ed.) (2026). Multispecies Information Science. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Multispecies-Information-Science/Solhjoo/p/book/9781032951553
Photo by Sheila Webber: squirrel on a rock, April 2026

Learning programmes for older adults.

This report is particularly related to my interest in education for older people, and combatting ageism: it has recommendations for upskilling and reskilling of older people. Sadly, information literacy isn't mentioned, but it does talk about aspects of digital literacy.
UNESCO and Shanghai Open University. (2026). Implementing effective reskilling and upskilling: learning programmes for older adults. UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000397435
The report describes examples from Colombia, Japan, Singapore, Sweden and the United States of America (USA) taking different approaches. For example there is the example of The Senior University: A lifelong learning experience for older adults at the Universidad del Rosario, Colombia. The report ends with recommendations. 
Photo by Sheila Webber: lilac and buttercups, May 2026

Webinar: AI in Library Schools

The IFLA Section Education and Training has organised a free webinar on 27 May 2026 at 15.30 CEST (14.30 BST): AI in Library Schools.
"This webinar explores students’ experiences with artificial intelligence in Library and Information Science education, including ethical AI use, privacy and data protection, AI-related coursework, and the opportunities and challenges AI brings to LIS programs." The keynote speaker is Iman Magdy Khamis (a data scientist and director of the library at Northwestern Qatar) on Understanding the Ethical Use of AI in Higher Education and Libraries. "The webinar will also feature presentations by LIS students sharing research projects, case studies, and practical experiences related to AI in LIS education"
Register at https://tinyurl.com/SETMay27
Photo by Sheila Webber: rhododendron - it was actually an even more flourescent colour! - May 2026

From Information Literacies to Metaliteracy

Tom Mackey (Empire State University, USA) has posted the recording of his keynote from the virtual iConference that took place 23-26 March 2026: From Information Literacies to Metaliteracy: Learner Agency in an AI-Mediated World.
"This keynote argues that evolving approaches to information literacy, AI literacy, and digital authenticity require a shift beyond discrete or skill-based methods toward a more comprehensive and reflective model of learning."
Go to https://metaliteracy.org/2026/04/03/from-information-literacies-to-metaliteracy-learner-agency-in-an-ai-mediated-world/
Photo by Sheila Webber: blossom on the tree, May 2026

New articles: AI; Inclusivity: Research experiences

The latest issue of open-access College & Research Libraries News (vol 87 issue 5) is now published. It includes:
- Susan Archambault, Elisa Acosta, Darlene Aguilar, Samantha Blanco, Alexander Justice, Nicole Murph, Shalini Ramachandran, and José J. Rincón Inclusivity by Design: Creating the Best Practices Checklist for One-Shot Library Instruction
- Jennifer Jarson and Kate Morgan: From Listener to Learner: A Podcast to Peek Behind the Curtain of Research Experiences.
- Russell Michalak, Trevor A. Dawes, and Ava Wallace: Envisioning AI’s Role in Libraries: Perspectives from an LIS Student, a Library Director, and a University Librarian
- J. M. Shalani Dilinika: Teaching Students to Think Critically About AI: Practical Approaches for Academic Librarians in Designing Literacy Instruction
Go to https://crln.acrl.org/index.php/crlnews/issue/view/1696/showToc
Photo by Sheila Webber: cherry blossom scattered, May 2026

Webinar: Identity-based disinformation about minorities and migrants

The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) offers a free training session online on 13 May 2026, 14.00-16.00 CET (13.00-15.00 BST) Training Series on Identity-Based Disinformation Module 1: Identity-based disinformation about minorities and migrants. 
Register here by 11 May 2026 https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Participants_EDMOTraining_Migrants_13052026
Photo by Sheila Webber: peony, April 2026

Webinar: From misinformation to empowerment – Media literacy for youth and adults in the age of AI

UNESCO's Institute for Lifelong Learning has organised a free webinar: From misinformation to empowerment – Media literacy for youth and adults in the age of AI on 19 May 2026, 13.30-15.00 CEST (which is one hour earlier in teh UK, BST). 
"To mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, this webinar - organized by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in collaboration with UNESCO’s Media and Information Unit within the Communication and Information Sector - will explore the role of MIL in adult learning and education in the age of AI. Bringing together policymakers, researchers and practitioners from Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) countries, the event will examine emerging challenges and promising practices for equipping adult educators with essential MIL competencies. A highlight of the event will be the official launch of our new multilingual self-learning course on media and information literacy for adult educators." 
Register at https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BUiAKkzGQeqabt7yKqjhUQ#/registration
Photo by Sheila Webber: Cherry blossom, April 2026

Information Literacy Handbook published!

The Information Literacy Handbook: Charting the Discipline is published! 550 pages of information literate goodness, with 74 authors contributing 65 entries.
The cost is £90, with a 35% discount for CILIP Members. Go to https://www.facetpublishing.co.uk/page/detail/the-information-literacy-handbook/?k=9781783306343 to see the details for ordering.
A pdf with the contents list, author details and preface from Christine Bruce is here: https://www.facetpublishing.co.uk/resources/pdfs/chapters/9781783306343.pdf
I've contributed a chapter coauthored with Bill Johnston, Information literacy: Framing the discipline, and a chapter on Autoethnography.

Webinar: What does it mean to be a Subject/Liaison Librarian?

There is a webinar What does it mean to be a Subject/Liaison Librarian? on 19 May 2026 10:30- 12:00 noon BST, organised by the M25 consortium. The cost is £25 for M25 members and £50 for other institutions. "This online event is aimed at library staff looking to acquire additional skills and knowledge or staff working towards Chartership. The position of Subject Librarian – or Liaison Librarian, or Information Specialist, or any number of other variations – remains a key one in most academic libraries and is one that many new professionals aspire towards. However, it can be difficult for staff in Library Assistant or similar roles to make the move up into this area of library work as it is often a significant leap up the career ladder ... three Subject/Liaison/Specialist Librarians will discuss their roles and what they have learned over time.. The speakers are: 
- Helen Biggs, University College London, UK: Leading from the middle
- Antonis Sideras, Royal College of Art, UK: What does it mean to be a Subject/Liaison Librarian?
- Dorothea Miehe, The British Library, UK: What is it like to be a Subject Librarian at the National Library?
Register at https://www.m25lib.org.uk/events/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-subject-or-liaison-librarian-tg1-sublib/

iConference proceedings published

The proceedings of the iConference (held in March-April 2026) have been published as a special issue of open access journal Information Research (volume 31 no. iconf(2026). There's lots about AI! Papers include:
- Beyond the loop: a research agenda towards a framework for critical AI literacy in the AI-assisted literature review by Dipesh Jalui, Mary Tate, Jocelyn Cranefield 
- Disability misinformation on Facebook: a comparison of LLM-based fact-checking tools by Ian Prazak, Leah Padovani, Yool Lim, Julia (Hsin-Ping) Hsu, Myeong Lee 
- Shared agency in information behaviour research: Human–Nonhuman interactions by Niloofar Solhjoo, Jia Tina Du, Yazdan Mansourian 
- The role of misinformation in elder fraud: a conceptual framework by Jiangping Chen, Milo P. Ono 
- Breaking the mold of knowledge imposition: reconstruct the digital literacy education model in academic libraries under the Scottish enlightenment by ZhenJia Fan, YiMei He
 - Reframing creative learning: a conceptual framework for design literacy in the GenAI era by Asif H Zeshan, Xiao Hu 
- Dimensions of information search strategies: a study of blind and visually impaired users in mobile digital library environments by Iris Xie, Wonchan Choi, Hyun Seung Lee, Ning Chiao Wang, Bo Hyun Hong 
- Seeking the mission and opportunities for LIS in the AI era: a systematic review of empirical research on teenagers' artificial intelligence literacy (TAIL) by Jing Liu, Jiajing Ma, Guoye Sun, Shu Fan
 - Inclusive media and information literacy (IMIL): Building a framework for an age of preparedness and responsibilisation by Hanna Carlsson, Lisa Engström, Lisa Olsson Dahlquist 
- Scaffolding resilience: the influence of an iSchool’s media and information literacy courses by Frey Aura Galario, Dan Anthony Dorado, Benedict Salazar Olgado 
- ‘Ugh, it’s a difficult topic’: Positionality statements as information use in information and library science research by Alex H. Poole, Ashley Todd-Diaz
Go to https://publicera.kb.se/ir/issue/view/5744
Photo by Sheila Webber: cherry blossom cluster, April 2026