Friday, July 24, 2026

Webinar: Leveraging Librarian Faculty Partnerships to Demystify the Scholarly Conversation

in the foreground is a big yellowy creamy coloured rose in full bloom and in the background are the rosebush leaves, a withering rose and a rosebud

There is a free webinar Leveraging Librarian Faculty Partnerships to Demystify the Scholarly Conversation on 28 July 2026 at 12noon US Eastern time (17.00 BST). Presenters are Kristina Bush (Library Experience Manager, Boston University Libraries, USA) & Maria Gapotchenko (Master Lecturer, Boston University Writing Program, USA) and the organisers are at Ohio State University, USA.
"The ACRL Information Literacy Frame of the Scholarly Conversation can often be tricky to teach, particularly to first-year undergraduates without much exposure to disciplinary fields and activities. Many of the associated knowledge practices and dispositions require decoding the hidden curriculum to understand the practice of scholarship."
"Through close partnership and collaboration, a librarian and Writing Program faculty member at Boston University have turned to the metaphor of the Burkean Parlor to demystify the concept of the scholarly conversation for undergraduate students embarking on their first research project. The presenters will share the Burkean Parlor activity and assignment they developed and student-created artifacts reflecting their learning. Participants will consider how they can incorporate this framing into their own instruction practice - whether as librarians or faculty - and how the activities might be adjusted depending on the depth of faculty-librarian collaboration."
Register at https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8RMvyUE0T_qKFDoTtsZDPw#/registration
Photo by Sheila Webber: rose, Botanical Gardens, July 2026

Thursday, July 23, 2026

#CALC26 Recordings available

a large white poppy on teh bush with 2 bees on it

Recordings of most of the sessions (i.e. the sessions where permission was given) are now available from the 6th Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference (CALC) which took place 12-14 May 2026. Thanks are given to the volunteers who transcribed the recordings. 
Slides, recordings and abstracts can be accessed here: https://sites.google.com/view/calcconference/calc2026. This is the Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@calcconference997/videos 
There is also an archive of previous conferences: https://sites.google.com/view/calcconference/past-conferences
Photo by Sheila Webber: poppy with bee, July 2026

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

New articles: Infolit and politics postgraduates; Sensory knowledge

a large allium seed head resting on a green park bench

The latest issue of Learning and Teaching (vol 19 issue 1) includes (open access): 
- Atkinson, D. & Thornton, S. (2026). Information literacy in the postgraduate Politics and International Relations classroom. Learning & Teaching, 19(1). 108-126. https://doi.org/10.3167/latiss.2026.190106 
A survey was administered to taught postgraduate (PGT) students studying Politics at a British and and Austrian univerity (this included students from other countries as well). In the conclusion the authors note limitations of the study, but say that "the main finding of this research is unambiguous: namely that, unless the students surveyed here were wholly unrepresentative of the wider population, we simply cannot assume that all – even most – PGT students can confidently manage, critically engage with, and use ethically any sources of information they might encounter. Where comparison with undergraduate students was possible, PGT students surveyed did generally suggest higher levels of information literacy but not by an overwhelming degree, and in some aspects – including awareness of any previous information literacy training – there was barely any difference at all. If this finding proves not to be a one-off, then this discovery has important implications for the ability (or not) of PGT students to deal with information in a sufficiently sophisticated manner to do well in their academic studies, particularly in a discipline such as Politics and International Relations. This conclusion would be striking enough in a world in which generative AI tools were not liberally available. That we now do live in such an environment only makes this finding even more concerning. As the authors argued even before this new information revolution kicked off, the discipline really does need to wake up and start to take information literacy seriously."

- Lane, K., Welch, C. & Miller, A. (2026). Music in the city : Teaching and learning through the senses. Learning & Teaching, 19(1). 108-126. https://doi.org/10.3167/latiss.2026.190102 (This discusses sensory knowledge) 
Photo by Sheila Webber: found allium seed head, July 2026

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Media Literacy strategy

a black and white cat examining some ground and withered plants

Ofcom (UK's communications watchdog) have published a mid-term evaluation of their Media Literacy strategy. 
"The evaluator commissioned by Ofcom [Bigger Picture Research] used evidence from a range of sources in this evaluation including 33 interviews with relevant stakeholders, and two surveys sent out to our Network of over 700 individuals or organisations." Sadly, libraries are only mentioned in one paragraph, and librarians not at all: though, to be fair, journalists aren't mentioned either. 
Go to https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/research-and-data/media-literacy-research/making-sense-of-media/media-literacy/mid-term-evaluation-of-ofcoms-3-year-media-literacy-strategy-2024-2027.pdf
Photo by Sheila Webber: this cat in the Botanical Gardens is probably not much bothered by Ofcom: July 2026

Monday, July 20, 2026

Webinar: Designing AI Literacy Workshops: Practical Strategies for Library Instruction

tall grass in the foreground with some bushes trees and a bit of a house in teh background

ACRL ULS Professional Development Committee has organised a free webinar on 22 July 2026 at 13.00-14.00 USA CST (19.00-20.00 BST): Designing AI Literacy Workshops: Practical Strategies for Library Instruction. It is presented by Victoria Antwi (Stetson University, USA).
"This webinar will guide participants through the process of designing and facilitating AI literacy sessions - either as stand-alone workshops or as components integrated within library instruction. Drawing on a tested three-part workshop series implemented at a university library and detailed in the presenter’s recently published book Evaluating AI-Generated Content: A Practical Guide for Educators and Librarians, the program will share practical lesson plans, sample activities, and frameworks aligned with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines."
Register at https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A-QiA3b_Q7eOQtEhd9wALg
Photo by Sheila Webber: summer grass, June 2026

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Strengthening Europe through public libraries

a makerspace with tables and shelves and there are people working at the tables possibly at computers

A new report is:
OMC Group on the Role of Libraries. (2026). Strengthening Europe through public libraries: How sustained investment in public libraries and their multiple roles delivers social, cultural and democratic returns. European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/1906144
"The OMC Group brought together 36 experts from 25 EU Member States, with input from non-EU countries including Georgia, Iceland, Moldova, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine and the United Kingdom." It includes summaries of national policy & strategy related to public libraries in the countries, and examples of "best practice". The Group emphasises "that it is vital for public libraries to be recognised by the EU, Member States and regional and local governments as essential services for which free access must be guaranteed. This right of access should be grounded in the European Pillar of Social Rights" and also that public libraries need to be supported by national policy.
A quick search showed that information literacy, or media and information literacy, was mentioned in a few of the national policy summaries (Lithuania, Slovenia, Latvia and Spain) and in some best practice examples. OMC= Open Method of Coordination, by the way.
A public library makerspace: Credit: Beth Filar Williams (2023, September 22) Rotterdam public library. https://flic.kr/p/2p4CyYY

Friday, July 17, 2026

New articles: Critical Information Literacy; Teaching IL; Critical Indigenous Studies Liaison Librarianship

photo taken from above of a small chinese or japanese tea cup and teapot and a japanese sweet of a pottery dish all on a black tray

The latest issue of open-access College & Research Libraries (Vol 87, No 4) includes: 
- Two Decades of Critical Information Literacy: A Review and Analysis of the Literature by Eamon Tewell
- The State of Critical Indigenous Studies Liaison Librarianship: A Landscape Analysis by Kathryn Randall, Alexander Watkins, Adrienne VandenBosch 
- Information Literacy Instruction Redux: What Are Instruction Librarians Doing Now? by Heidi Julien, Jesus Montiel Hernandez, Melissa Gross, Don Latham
Go to https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/issue/view/1700/showToc
Photo by Sheila Webber: A pleasant tea tray, July 2026.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Developing a Teaching Style

orange rose in close up
A blog post with short reflections from three first-year academic librarians on their experiences of teaching. 
ACRLog Team. (2026, June 10). Developing a Teaching Style… In Style! https://acrlog.org/2026/07/10/developing-a-teaching-style-in-style
Photo by Sheila Webber: rose, June 2026

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Webinar: Exploring the Integration of Information Literacy After a Faculty Development Workshop

On 20 July 2026 at 12 noon US EAST (17.00 BST) there is a free webinar: When Faculty Are Our Students: Exploring the Integration of Information Literacy After a Faculty Development Workshop
"In this webinar, we explore if library-led teaching professional development programming is effective for integrating information literacy into courses and/or curricula. The presenters conducted semi-structured interviews with nine participants from a formal library-led teaching professional development program. In the presentation, the presenters will share initial results from their study and discuss the implications for how we might approach the goal of supporting the integration of information literacy into the curriculum." This is part of Ohio State University's Meaningful Inquiry programme. 
Register at https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZbCd64DSRoejQB8NiqOeLg#/registration
Photo by Sheila Webber: Rhododendron, May 2026

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026

pink poppies growing beside an urban wall photographed from above
The annual Reuters Institute Digital News Report report, which has international comparisons and short overviews of individual countries, identifies that "Social media and video networks are now the most widely used sources of news globally, ahead of both TV news" "Around a quarter (27%) of respondents globally get some news from news-focused individual creators or influencers, and almost half (46%) get some news from creators of any type." Online news video is the majority mode of consumption. 
Reuters notes a paradox, in that use of platforms and influencers is growing, but there is also distrust and awareness of the possibility of misinformation. "Trust in news has fallen in 29 of our 48 markets this year" - the lowest sinnce they started this publication. 
Use of AI has also grown "The use of AI chatbots for news is growing quickly but not as quickly as AI use for other purposes: 10% of people use AI chatbots for news, up from 7% last year. Usage is predominantly by those most interested in news and is more concentrated among younger audiences (16% of under-35s report using AI chatbots for news)." Interestingly, they identify that interest in "news" generally has fallen in many countries. 
There is lots of good detail in the report. The researchers adminstered surveys online internationally, and the methodology section lays out the limitations. 
Egan, J. et al. (2026). Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2026
Photo by Sheila Webber: wild urban poppies, June 2026

Monday, July 13, 2026

Pressing prompts

a photo of a single spire of creamy-white foxgloves

Pressing Prompts, was recently published by Duke University , USA, with "activities, resources, and learning notes" around three themes:
- Trust & Truth: How do we evaluate what AI tells us?
- Power & Access: Who controls AI and who is affected?
- Self & Society: How does AI change us and our world?
It is "designed for dialogic and experiential learning". It already has useful material and they say that they also welcome further ideas. It is desgned for university-level use and (implicitly) North America, but could be applied more widely.
Go to http://pressingprompts.org/
Photo by Sheila Webber: Foxgloves, June 2026

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Strategic Implications of AI Futures for Research Libraries

a green park scene with grass and trees
ARL & CNI have published a report which summarises the outcomes from a scenario workshop held a year and a half ago (on AI Futures for Research Libraries) and analyse progress since then (referring to North American academic libraries). To quote from the Executive Summary
"Priorities have shifted toward governing the AI already embedded in enterprise and library platforms. At the same time, external requirements are tightening, making embedding disclosure expectations into research and teaching workflows increasingly urgent. These findings confirm that the window for proactive positioning is open but narrowing. Research libraries that treat AI governance, workforce development, and collection strategy as integrated priorities will be best positioned to lead their institutions through an uncertain but consequential decade and to shape what research libraries become by 2035."
There is emphasis on developing AI literacy of staff, and also developing frameworks of AI literacy to embed in curricula. I was rather disappointed with the small extent to which connection was made between AI Literacy and IL, though.
Estlund, K. & Vitale, C.H. (2026). Strategic Implications of AI Futures for Research Libraries: Workshop Report. Washington, DC: Association of Research Libraries and Coalition for Networked Information. https://doi.org/10.29242/report.futurescape2026.
Photo by Sheila Webber: Botanics, May 2026

Friday, July 10, 2026

Webinar: From Information Literacy to Gen-AI Literacy: Continuity or Change?

a head and shoulders photo of Ellie Abdi a woman with short dark hair
Dr Ellie Abdi (Curtin University, Australia) gives the second iSchools Community Keynote free online on 15 July 2026, 19.00 Australian Eastern Standard Time; 05.00 US EST; 10.00 UK BST; 17.00 China Standard Time with the title From Information Literacy to Gen-AI Literacy: Continuity or Change?
"Technologically enabled information environments have continually evolved, from computers to the internet to social media, each reshaping how people encounter, interpret, and participate in information ecosystems. Across these transitions, information literacy has remained a central capability, supporting effective and meaningful engagement with information despite changing tools and platforms. This keynote explores whether this pattern continues in AI-generated information environments, and considers whether Gen-AI literacy should be understood as a distinct literacy domain or as a contemporary expression of information literacy."
The Zoom link will be on this page https://www.ischools.org/community-keynotes

Thursday, July 09, 2026

Book: The Patina of Distrust

in the foreground a horizontal spire of yellowy foxtail lily with greenery in teh background
One of the joint-winners of the ASIS&T information science book of the year award is:
Mitchelstein, E., Boczkowski, P.J., Wagner, M.C. & Suenzo, F. (2025). The Patina of Distrust: What People Do with Misinformation. MIT Press. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262550765/the-patina-of-distrust/ ISBN: 9780262550765
The online open access version is here https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/6048/The-Patina-of-DistrustWhat-People-Do-with
The book analyses news reception in Argentina’s 2019 presidential election "drawing from interviews, survey data, and experiments" and they also more briefly address reception of news in the COVID19 pandemic and the 2023 election of the Argentine president Javier Milei. They focus on "the dynamics of reception that mediate between the production and spread of misinformation on the one hand, and its potential effects on the other"
Photo by Sheila Webber: foxtail lily, June 2026

Wednesday, July 08, 2026

Googling

a green godzilla-style monster which has GOOGLE written on it is stomping through a lush jungle in cartoon style
I learned something from:
Cohen, J. (2026, June 19). Google's AI Overviews Aren't Going Anywhere. But I Figured Out How to Hide Them. https://uk.pcmag.com/ai/152436/google-ai-overviews-arent-going-anywhere-4-tricks-to-hide-them (although the 4th tip is basically "use a different search engine"). These tips have become more useful because ...
Perez, S. (2026, May 19). Google Search as you know it is over. Techcrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/19/google-search-as-you-know-it-is-over/ - also ...
- Perez, S. (2026, July 6). If you use Google, you’re training its AI. Here’s how to opt out. https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/06/if-you-use-google-youre-training-its-ai-heres-how-to-opt-out/
Image created using Midjourney AI

Tuesday, July 07, 2026

Event: Information Literacy in a Disrupted Information Ecosystem

conference logo saying IFLA WLIC 2026 Busan

The IFLA Information Literacy Section and the Busan Metropolitan Library have organised a free in-person Satellite Meeting on 8 August 2026, in Busan, Korea: Information Literacy in a Disrupted Information Ecosystem: AI, Disinformation, and Trust.
Presentations are:
- Case Study of Ghana Public Libraries: Equipping Students with Critical Literacy Skills in the Era of AI and Disinformation (Ramunė Petuchovaitė)
- Strengthening Trust through Curated Connections: Transforming the Information Environment with Education, Grounded Curation, and Open Pedagogy (Cyril Oberlander)
- Building Digital Resilience through Metaliteracy: Meme-based Pedagogy to Counter AI-driven Disinformation (Changhong Wu)
- AI, Disinformation, and Trust in Higher Education: Information Literacy Approaches of University Librarians in Germany and Bulgaria (Munazza Jabeen)
- The Role of AI Refusal in Media and Information Literacy Programs (Kelly McElroy)
"In addition to these academic exchanges, participants will enjoy a special Korean cultural performance and a guided tour of the Busan Metropolitan Library."
Event page at https://library.busan.go.kr/busanlibrary/html.do?menu_idx=262
Registration at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclpkLk4TX8OBqWJpIO9gXZn279plfnYytFA4mHn0KgFDLZ5w/viewform

Monday, July 06, 2026

Critical AI Literacy Framework

a pile of logs on grass with a border in the background

 The Open University published in 2025 their Critical AI Literacy Framework which "treats ‘literacy’ as a ‘social practice’, i.e. something individuals do rather than possess". and is concerned about issues of equality and social justice. It has six elements: AI concepts and applications; Learning and Teaching with AI; AI ethics; AI creativity; AI in society; AI [in] careers. It can be downloaded at  https://about.open.ac.uk/sites/about.open.ac.uk/files/files/OU%20Critical-AI-Literacy-framework-2025.pdf
There is also a blog post about this framework and their Responsible by Design framework at  https://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/learning-design/?p=2288
Photo by Sheila Webber: Botanic Gardens, June 2026

Friday, July 03, 2026

Critical IL and AI Literacy

a spire of white foxglove in a garden

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

Thursday, July 02, 2026

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

LILi logo saying lifelong 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. 

Wednesday, July 01, 2026

Call for papers: #RAILS

a silver ovoid sculpture reflecting a street

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Webinar: ACRL Framework for Information Literacy Sandbox

a bee on a raceme of yellowy flowers

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)

Monday, June 29, 2026

Information Literacy and democracy

a sketch of several people round a table discussing something

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? Commonwealhttps://www.commonweal.scot/articles/magazine-n3egl
Image created with Midjourney AI

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Webinar: Training on Generative AI and Hybrid Influence

a photo of a garden fern taken from above
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

Saturday, June 27, 2026

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

many yellow flowers in a border on a sunny day

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

Friday, June 26, 2026

Ofcom: Statement on Media Literacy

dandelion clocks amongst the grass on a sunny day

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

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Generative AI in Libraries (GAIL) Conference.

a cartoony robot bookshelf labelled GAIL

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Registration opens: International Conference on Information Literacy

International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL) 2026 logo

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

Monday, June 22, 2026

LOEX outputs

blue LOEX 2026 logo with a teh icon of a whale

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/

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Book recommendations

The front cover ogf the book Pedagodzilla: Exploring the Realm of Pedagogy with ethe title and some cartoony figures

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/

Saturday, June 20, 2026

New book: Media and Information Literacy as Civic Practice

a tall tree in green leaf is half-silhouetted against a sunny blue sky
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

Thursday, June 18, 2026

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

closeup photo of a large pinky red poppy

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

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Google: liable for fakery; cannabilising

lots of brown and golden wrapped chocolates in the Lindt shop

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

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Call for Participation for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026

a psoter saying UNESCO global Youth Hackathon 2026 register now with some carton figures of young people

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 

Monday, June 15, 2026

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

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Digital Co-Creation with Nursing Students: Enhancing Digital Competencies

a tree in the foreground and in teh background grass and shrubs and someone lays on teh ground in the sun

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

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Full Fact Report 2026

rhododensdron flowers in the foreground, with teh top of a tower block visible in the background
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!)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Books: infolit and transformational learning; Critical Information Literacy

wwwping willow viewed from below with sky between teh branches
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

Tuesday, June 09, 2026

MIL Curriculum for Asia

green leaves from small plants and weeds

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

Monday, June 08, 2026

Declining digital literacy - Australia

two yellow bearded irises with browny-purple streaks with soil and some leaves in teh background

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

Friday, June 05, 2026

New articles: AI; Top trends; why librarianship

bright red rhododendron blossoms

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

Thursday, June 04, 2026

Slides on deepfakes

a young tabby cat with butterfly wings is cashing a butterfly over a meadow

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

Wednesday, June 03, 2026

Free online conference: Information in Repair

a logo with a small leaf and teh letters cais acsi

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

Tuesday, June 02, 2026

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

a cluster of three white wild roses

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

Monday, June 01, 2026

Supercharged by AI

yellow poppies against a concrete drive

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

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Communities of Practice for the Advancement of Library Instruction

tall white hollyhock flower spikes in a garden border

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

Friday, May 29, 2026

Applications for COPALI 2026

a single white wild rose and foliage on the bush
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

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Horizon Report 2026

some rocks in the foireground and then an open expanse of water and hills in the distance

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