Happy days

The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have produced their 2026 Doomsday Clock Statement, and it is pretty grim reading, as they assess that "It is now 85 seconds to midnight". They summarise all the awful and threatening things going on in the world very concisely.
This includes threats concerning information "... the AI revolution has the potential to accelerate the existing chaos and dysfunction in the world’s information ecosystem, supercharging mis- and disinformation campaigns and undermining the fact-based public discussions required to address urgent major threats like nuclear war, pandemics, and climate change."
As background "Founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and University of Chicago scientists who helped develop the first atomic weapons in the Manhattan Project, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists created the Doomsday Clock two years later, using the imagery of apocalypse (midnight) and the contemporary idiom of nuclear explosion (countdown to zero) to convey threats to humanity and the planet." Their website seems to have interesting material on various serious/alarming world issues e.g. this item (mainly a video) on the impact of US healthcare policy.
The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. (2026, January 27). 2026 Doomsday Clock Statement: It is now 85 seconds to midnight. https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/2026-statement/
Photo copyright Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, January 2026

Libraries as AI Literacy Leaders

There is a "special issue" of the online magazine Information Matters, focusing on Libraries as AI Literacy Leaders. All the articles are short, so it can serve as providing a brief overview of some of the issues. The items were posted between November 2025 and January 2026. 
Go to https://informationmatters.org/si-libraries-as-ai-literacy-leaders/
Photo by Sheila Webber: dynamic light installation (outernet), London, December 2025

Webinar: AI and Pedagogy Discussion: Library Directors Perspective

The ALISE Innovative Pedagogies Special Interest Group has organised a free online panel: AI and Pedagogy Discussion: Library Directors Perspective on 30 January at 15.00 US Eastern time (20.00 GMT) 
"As we all (either willingly or unavoidably) lean further into the realities, influences, and impacts of Artificial Intelligence related to pedagogy and practice, we invite you to a panel and roundtable discussion featuring three Library Directors, who will offer both big picture administrative perspectives within their libraries as well as the pedagogy and practice consideration."
Panellists are: Dr. Amanda Folk (Professor and Director of Libraries at Denison University, USA), Kelvin Watson (Executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, USA), Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz (Dean of Barnard Library, USA) and Dr. Amelia Gibson (Associate Professor, and director of the Community Equity Data & Information Lab at the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, USA). 
The Zoom meeting link is https://dom.zoom.us/j/97107578085#, Meeting ID: 971 0757 8085. 
Photo by Sheila Webber: dynamic light installation (outernet), London, December 2025

Webinar: AI Applications for Improving Library Research and Student Support

On 28 January 2026 at 11:00 am US Pacific (19.00 GMT)is a free webinar from LIli AI Applications for Improving Library Research and Student Support. The presenter is Stephanie Garrett  (Catholic International University, USA) 
"This presentation will explore how two powerful AI tools, Perplexity.ai and NotebookLM, can enhance the work of librarians, instructors, and students. We'll begin by examining Perplexity.ai, an AI trained on academic sources, and discuss effective prompting strategies that help research and reference librarians expand their access to high-quality, subject-specific materials from both open and academic web sources. Then, we'll turn to NotebookLM, a free tool for personal and academic use, focusing on how instructors can use it to increase student engagement with sources and leverage multiple modalities to improve learning outcomes. "
The Zoom link is https://uci.zoom.us/j/9498248706. A recording will be available on the LILi Show & Tell webpage after the session.

National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Strategies

Last month (December 2025) the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) adopted the policy document National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Strategies: Practical Steps and Indicators "The document provides member states with practical guidance on developing and implementing national MIL strategies, aiming to support them in effectively responding to the transformations in the media and information ecosystem brought about by the digital era." I haven't read the document in depth, but it has useful summaries and appendices including the indicators, actions for policy, research and practice, and amn overview of existing Council of Europe guidance on MIL. It does acknowledge the "Information" dimension of MIL to some extent, though it talks about Media Literacy more. 
Council of Europe Steering Committee on Media and Information Society. (2025, December 4). National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Strategies: Practical Steps and Indicators. (CDMSI(2025)09) https://rm.coe.int/cdmsi-2025-09-guidelines-for-national-media-and-information-literacy-s/488029ec67
Photo by Sheila Webber: winter day, December 2025

Recording of Medieval Information Literacy: Research Into Practice

There is a recording (57 minutes) of the 21 January 206 webinar in the Institute for Information Literacy at Purdue's ID:EALS series: Medieval Information Literacy: Research Into Practice. 
Speakers were Dr. Andrew (Drew) Whitworth of the University of Manchester and Dr. Kristin Browning Leaman of Purdue University, who explored "how scholars created and employed systems of information literacy to navigate the information spaces of the medieval period. While information literacy may be new as an organized and independent discipline, these scholars' work points to it being a longstanding concept in human engagement with knowledge." 
Go to https://youtu.be/VqFvDxP1AZ0?si=QrwfFEwMGS37rH4l

Artificial Intelligence and Information Literacy Assessment Day

There is very little detail, but this half day event held last week "Hosted by the University Assessment and Program Review Committee, University Libraries and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning" at the University of Toledo, USA, sounds an interesting collaboration and event for faculty, staff and graduate students. Badged as Artificial Intelligence and Information Literacy Assessment Day 2026: Guiding Students Through the Noise, it had "focused sessions on classroom practices, assessment approaches, and responsible use of AI tools" and covered "topics such as: What is Information Literacy and What Does It Look Like in the Classroom? How to Assess Information Literacy; AI and Information Literacy in the Classroom. 
I found the brief information here: https://news.utoledo.edu/index.php/01_21_2026/utoledo-hosting-artificial-intelligence-and-information-literacy-assessment-day-on-thursday
Image created by Sheila Webber using Midjourney AI.

Data Literacy in Action Webinar Series

The University of North Texas is running a Data Literacy in Action Webinar Series on 4, 11 and 18 February 2026 at 12noon-13.00 US Central time (which is 18.00-19.00 GMT). This is "a set of three free webinars exploring practical strategies, tools, and teaching approaches for integrating data literacy into instruction and research support" in US community colleges (I think somewhat like Further Education in the UK). "The series is organized around three core topics from a data literacy toolkit (https://data-literacy-toolkit.github.io/) developed through our IMLS-funded project."
Register at https://bit.ly/dlccwebinar. More information at https://ci.unt.edu/dlcc
There have also been some interesting publications from this project https://ci.unt.edu/dlcc/research-output/publications.html
Photo by Sheila Webber: misty trees, December 2025

New articles: Relationships; Data Privacy; Burnout

The latest issue of open access College & Research Libraries News (volume 87 issue 1) includes:
- Social Network Analysis of Liaison Librarian Relationships by Ellen Hampton Filgo, Joshua Been (investigating "the relationships between liaison librarians and faculty at a university library.")
- Interventions for Reducing, Preventing, or Overcoming Librarian Burnout: A Scoping Review by Natalie Logue, Jessica C. Garner, Stephanie Hendren
- Search Data Privacy in Academic Libraries: Qualitative Perspectives of Members of Marginalized Groups by Laura W. Gariepy
- A review of the 2-volume Training Library Instructors (which I blogged briefly in 2024): the reviewer concludes after a thorough review of both volumes "Regardless of the level of instructional experience, reading these books is a step toward building one’s own instructional capabilities, and the two volumes are useful to library professionals and library learners alike."
Go to https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/issue/view/1689/showToc
Photo by Sheila Webber: Christmas tree thrown out, no. 6 (hiding behind the bins), January 2026

Webinar: Using Special Collections in Teaching

As part of CILIP members Fest there is a free webinar Using Special Collections in Teaching on 4 March 2026 Wednesday 4 March 2026, 12.30 - 13.30 GMT. 
"Are you interested in using special collections for teaching sessions? Have you been asked to deliver learning activities based on your collections but don’t know where to start? Do you already deliver or support learning sessions and want to connect with others in the sector or be inspired by new approaches? Join our expert panel for a discussion on teaching with special collections. Discover practical approaches, new methods, and ways to enhance learning experiences." Speakers are: Angela Newton & Thomas Campbell (University of Leeds, UK); Joanna Baines (University College London, UK); Chloe Dennis (British Library, UK) and Katie Birkwood (Royal College of Physicians, UK). 
More information at https://www.cilip.org.uk/event/membersfest26_specialcollections

Health Information Week #HIW2026 patient information

This is Health Information Week in the UK. The Patient Information Forum has celebrated the week by releasing 5 new PIF TICK collections of trusted health information, produced in collaboration with the NHS Knowledge and Library Services team and endorsed by NHS England (PIF TICK is a mark for information that meets key criteria for trusted and accessible health information). 
The collections are here https://piftick.org.uk/collections/ and you can search or browse all the triusted sources here https://piftick.org.uk/health-topics/ 
You can also find translated versions of the leaflets - today's theme for HIW is translated patient information.

Articles: Immersive technologies; Language used in information literacy

- Okuonghae, O, (2025). Advancing information literacy through immersive technologies in the metaverse age: a rapid review. Digital Library Perspectives, 41 (4), 637–649. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-01-2025-0005
- Chizwina, S. et al. (2025). The use of "mother tongue" in information literacy instruction among the NEET (not in education, employment, or training) youth at a South African township. South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 91(1). https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-liasa_v91_n1_a8 (open access). 
Photo by Sheila Webber: Christmas tree thrown out, no. 5, January 2026

Webinar: Medieval Information Literacy

Next in the Institute for Information Literacy at Purdue's ID:EALS series is Medieval Information Literacy: Research Into Practice, on 21 January 2026 at 10 am EST (15.00 GMT).
Speakers are Dr. Andrew (Drew) Whitworth of the University of Manchester and Dr. Kristin Browning Leaman of Purdue University, who "will explore how scholars created and employed systems of information literacy to navigate the information spaces of the medieval period. While information literacy may be new as an organized and independent discipline, these scholars' work points to it being a longstanding concept in human engagement with knowledge."
Register at https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/-4EJ23H3Qtmo-xiXJs2vPA#/registration

2nd call for poposals: Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference

The second call for proposals for the 2026 Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference (CALC) (taking place online during the week beginning 11 May 2026) has been announced. This is the open call for proposals. The closing date for proposals is 6 February 2026 at 23.59 GMT (UK time). "We welcome research, discussions, exchanges of experience and project reports. If you or your library have work or perspectives to share around equity, decolonisation, critical information literacy, working with underrepresented or marginalised communities or anything else relating to critical practice". The first keynote to be announced is Rodney Freeman. Among other things, he is founder of Remenisce Preservation.
There is more information at https://sites.google.com/view/calcconference/call-for-papers including a guide to writing proposals and the form to submit session proposals.
There is a short explanation about the scope of the conference at https://sites.google.com/view/calcconference/about/what-is-critical-library-practice
Questions or queries can go to calcconference@gmail.com 

National Searching Guidance - latest edition

The National Searching Guidance for NHS/healthcare libarians has been updated and the January 2026 edition is available.  As with previous editions, it starts with guidance for each stage of an evidence search (i.e. planning, execution, results). Although the focus is on searches related to health, these general guidelines and prompts are more widely useful. Following general guidance on each stage of a search are sections with detailed guidance for specific types of search.
It can be accessed freely on the Searching and Training Forums' wiki at https://sites.google.com/site/healthliteraturesearchers/Home
Photo by Sheila Webber: misty day, December 2025

Recent articles: STEM & AI; CIL

- Chomintra, M., & Pascuzzi, P. E. (2025). GIS Librarians’ Involvement in Critical Information Literacy Instruction. Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, 112. https://doi.org/10.29173/istl2923 [GIS = Geographic information systems] (open access)

- Matthews, D. J., Wheeler, A., Insley, H. A., & Mackintosh, D. C. (2025). Promoting the Ethical and Appropriate Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in STEM Subjects at a University: An Opportunity for Increased Classroom Collaboration Between Lecturers and Librarians? Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, 112. https://doi.org/10.29173/istl2935 (open access)
Photo by Sheila Webber: Edinburgh, December 2025

LILAC Learning sets

People who are intending to attend the LILAC (information literacy) conference in Sheffield, UK, 30 March - 1 April 2026, can sign up for a new initiative: LILAC Learning sets. The idea is that " attendees who take part will be grouped together with colleagues from diverse organisations, geographical locations, and career stages, and supported to maintain contact throughout the 12 months following the conference. More info at https://infolit.org.uk/keep-that-lilac-buzz-going-with-lilac-learning-sets/ and the expressions of interest form is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecHHgtFzB7_Enf8QnuSbYQr5YRNxzn_zU8qvpF51v87PZpkw/viewform

Call for proposals: Ungrading in Credit-Bearing Library Instruction: Alternative Assessment Practices

There is a call for proposals for chapters in Ungrading in Credit-Bearing Library Instruction: Alternative Assessment Practices to be published by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Proposals must be submitted by 31 January 2026.
"Contributed Chapters Core chapters feature case studies of real-world applications, from minimalist integrations within traditional systems to comprehensive ungrading models. Contributors will share practical strategies, examples, and candid reflections on challenges and lessons learned. This section could also include essays on theoretical approaches to alternative assessments.
"... We seek case study chapters that explore ungrading and alternative assessment approaches used in credit-bearing library instruction, whether integrated within traditional grading structures or used as the dominant approach. Chapters should share practical strategies and examples of ungrading or alternative grading methods, such as contract, specifications, or standards-based grading. We are also interested in reflections on challenges, considerations, and lessons learned during implementation, as well as discussions that connect assessment practices to pedagogical values like empowerment, exploration, and lifelong learning."
Submit using the form (including a 300-500 word abstract and a CV or publications list) here https://binghamton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5d9WjKaH02aAMxo
Chapter Length (if the proposal is accepted) will be 3,000-6,000 wordswith the first draft due in May 31, 2026. Questions to ungradingbook@gmail.com
Photo by Sheila Webber: Christmas tree thrown out, no. 4 (lurking behind the front wall), January 2026

Call for nominations: Information Literacy Award and Student Award

Nominations for the Information Literacy Award and Student Award are now open. The closing date for both awards is 6 February 2026 at 17:00 GMT sharp. 
- Information Literacy Award. This is sponsored by the CILIP Information Literacy Group and the UCL Department of Information. 
"The award is open to all practitioners, researchers and academics working in the IL field within the UK. Nominations must demonstrate impact, innovation, initiative, and originality in one or more of the following areas: Raising the profile of IL within an organisation/ community or sector; Initiating or contributing to national, regional, or local projects/ initiatives which enhance IL skills for an identified client group(s); Developing a digital resource (e.g., online course, service, product, or app) which develops and enhances IL skills; Undertaking original research in the field of IL and making a significant contribution to the literature" 
Nominations may be from any sector, from individuals or teams, and you can self-nominate or nominate others. 
More info at https://www.lilacconference.com/awards/information-literacy-award.  

- Rowena Macrae-Gibson Student Award. This provides a sponsored place at the LILAC conference for two students registered on a UK study programme. The award includes a full conference place, including social events, and reasonable UK travel and accommodation expenses up to the value of £250. Full-time or part-time students (including distance-learners) can apply, providing they are registered for a UK-based first degree or taught postgraduate qualification in information/ library studies or information literacy (IL). 
More info at https://www.lilacconference.com/awards/student-sponsored-places. 
Photo by Sheila Webber: Christmas tree thrown out, no. 3 (hiding behind the lavender bush), January 2026

Webinar: Opportunity for Change: Turning First-Year Oneshots into Workshops

LILi's first free Show and Tell webinar for 2026 is Opportunity for Change: Turning First-Year Oneshots into Workshops on 14 January 2026 at 11.00 US Pacific time (19.00 GMT/UK time).
The presenter is Kaitlyn Goss-Peirce.
"Tredway Library at Augustana College, like many academic libraries, is doing too much. It is evident in nearly every aspect of our work, but the instruction overload in particular can be unwieldy: our team teaches an average of 200-220 library sessions each academic year. ... This presentation will overview our process of change by outlining the tensions that prompted the need for change and the conversations from our development stages, before concluding with some practical tips and lessons learned for other librarians who are also looking for ways to do differently instead of doing more."
More information and Zoom link are here https://lili.libguides.com/showandtell/home

Experiences with Information Literacy: The NSSE Topical Module

ACRL has a Libguide related to the USA's and Canada's National Survey of Student Engagement (administered to undergraduate students): "this guide provides resources, ideas, and tools related to the “Experiences with Information Literacy” topical module on the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). There are resources for librarians, administrators, and campus partners." It includes a list of the relevant questions asked on the NSSE.
Go to https://acrl.libguides.com/c.php?g=1438979&p=10685793
Photo by Sheila Webber: Christmas tree thrown out, no. 2, January 2026

Information literacy online workshops

Ohio State University (USA) University Libraries Teaching & Learning Department, has a series of free information literacy workshops. The ones coming up in January are:
- Teaching AI Fluency with Authenticity and Vulnerability. 15 January 2026 at 12.00-13.00 USA Eastern time (which is 17.00-18.00 GMT/UK time) "In this workshop, two educators with varying levels of expertise with AI will discuss how educators, even those who may not have a great deal of experience using AI tools, can approach teaching with or talking about AI in an authentic manner." To register go to https://go.osu.edu/sp26aifluency
- Information Literacy: Definitions and Core Concepts. 22 January 2026 at 12.00-13.00 USA Eastern time (which is 17.00-18.00 GMT/UK time). "In this workshop, participants will learn about several definitions of information literacy and develop an understanding of the key concepts, skills, and dispositions associated with information literacy. In addition, participants will learn why explicit information literacy instruction is crucial to students’ academic and professional success and consider what their role in supporting students’ information literacy development might be." To register go to https://go.osu.edu/sp26ildefinitions
- Teaching Information Literacy: Strategies and Resources. 29 January 2026 at 12.00-13.00 USA Eastern time (which is 17.00-18.00 GMT/UK time). "In this workshop, participants will learn more about strategies and activities that they can use to teach information literacy in a variety of contexts. In addition, participants will become familiar with multiple resources available to help them integrate information literacy into their teaching practices." To register go to https://go.osu.edu/sp26ilstrategies
The whole series is listed at https://u.osu.edu/teachinginfolit/teaching-information-literacy-workshops/virtual-workshop-series/
Photo by Sheila Webber: Christmas tree thrown out no. 1, January 2026

Webinar: AI across library sectors.

As part of the CILIP members fest, the Information Literacy Group offers a free webinar AI across library sectors on 2 March 2026 at 14.00-15.30 GMT (UK time) (via Zoom)
"A panel of speakers from a variety of library sectors will discuss their current experiences of AI in their workplaces. Speakers will outline the key issues and concerns regarding AI in their sector at present, as well as any current plans or initiatives within this area. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their own experiences of AI, ask questions and share ideas on ways to manage this fast-moving technology within libraries."
Speakers: Jane Secker (Associate Professor in Educational Development, City St Georges, University of London): Drew Feeney (Librarian and Museum Project Engagement Officer, North Lanarkshire Council);  Anne-Lise Harding (Strategic Training Lead, House of Commons Library); Joy McLean (Senior Librarian, West College Scotland); Sarah Pavey (Education Consultant, SP4IL); Katie Smith (Knowledge Specialist, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust).
More information at https://www.cilip.org.uk/event/membersfest26_AI_literacy

Media and Information Literacy Training Toolkit for Malaysian Newsrooms

Happy new year! I'll start the year with another UNESCO co-publication, an 8 page guide for media organisations in Malaysia:
Loh, B.Y.H. (2025, December) Media and Information Literacy Training Toolkit for Malaysian Newsrooms. Malaysiakini & UNESCO.
There is information about Malaysiakini here. "This toolkit seeks to furnish Malaysian media with suggestions and guides on how they can implement MIL into their newsrooms to better engage with youths."
Go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hl-Jp21sEBRWS2Pq2bNqu0kHXIfwK2LE/view
Photo by Sheila Webber: misty day, December 2025