Monday, August 31, 2026

AI & Metaliteracy OER Toolkit for Teaching and Learning

a logo that says AI & Metaliteracy OER Toolkit with a colourful circle above it
The AI & Metaliteracy OER Toolkit for Teaching and Learning has just been launched: "an openly licensed and adaptable resource that supports teaching and learning with generative AI through the framework of metaliteracy". The toolkit was developed by Nicola Marae Allain, Tom Mackey, and Eugenio Solis de Ovando, in collaboration with Alena Rodick (Empire State University, USA). The project was funded through a State University of New York (USA) Innovative Instruction Technology Grant
There are five modules: metaliterate learner identity; ethical evaluation and production; collaborative and participatory engagement; development as a metaliterate learner; and next steps for continued learning. "The modules include activities, assignments, reflections, rubrics, and supplemental resources" 
There is an introduction here: https://metaliteracy.org/2026/08/28/introducing-the-ai-metaliteracy-oer-toolkit-for-teaching-and-learning/ 
Access the toolkit via this page https://metaliteracy.org/ml-in-practice/how-to-access-the-ai-metaliteracy-oer-toolkit/

Saturday, August 29, 2026

The 2026 Critical Conversations in LIS Series

poster for the series saying Critical Conversations in LIS Series and showing thumbnail photos of all teh speakers and saying they will be on Thirsdays at 12 or 16.00 US Eastern time

There is a series of webinars (which will also be recorded) hosted by the University of South Carolina (USA) Augusta Baker Endowed Chair, Dr. Nicole Cooke, which are part of a course that Cooke teaches and are also being made freely available. 
They are held on Thursdays at 12noon US Eastern time (17.00 BST)  or 16.00 US Eastern time (21.00 BST). The first is on 3 September 2026 at 12.00 noon Eastern time.
Information on speakers is here  https://nicolethelibrarian.substack.com/p/the-2026-critical-conversations-in  (you register by clicking on the poster for the relevant speaker)

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Recent articles: AI literacy; infolit as capability; disinformation

in the foreground a huge dry seed head and in the background verdant foliage
- Choi, J. (2026). Reimagining Information Literacy as Capability (ILaC): A Conceptual Framework. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 75(2), 212–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2025.2606647 "The framework distinguishes information capabilities both from skills and practice, clarifies the relationship between informational well-being and informational agency, and integrates normative concerns in IL. "
- Johnston, N., Yerbury, H., & Henninger, M. (2026). Academic Librarians and Information Literacy Practice in an Age of Mis/Disinformation. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 75(2), 321–339. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2026.2648061 " presents findings from a study exploring Australian academic librarians' concerns about the impact of misinformation and disinformation on society, university students and access to reliable information. "
- Ford, H., Burrell, A., Monin, M., Narayan, B., & Jethani, S. (2026). Hacking AI Chatbots for Critical AI Literacy in the Library. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 75(1), 42–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2026.2614000 "Using a case study of a critical AI literacy intervention in four Greater Sydney libraries, we argue that instead of learning only about how AI works, AI literacy might involve learning when, how, and why AI doesn’t work. "
Photo by Sheila Webber: giant allium seed head, August 2026

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Carbon Literacy for Libraries

a riverside looking over the river with a weeping willow on one side and a statue in the middle distance
Carbon Literacy for Libraries is an online course on 5 November 2026 (9.15am - 12.45 BST) and on 12 November 2026 (9.15am - 12.45 BST). The cost is £15 for both parts "all of which goes to the Carbon Literacy Project". "Please note that you must be able to attend both parts of the training in order to be accredited as a Carbon Literate librarian." This has been organised by CILIP Scotland. 
More information at https://www.cilips.org.uk/events/cl4l-nov26/ 
[From the Carbon Literacy Project website] "Carbon Literacy enables individuals, communities, and organisations to take impactful climate action and enact the cultural shift necessary for the transition to a low-carbon economy" 
Photo by Sheila Webber: Hydra and Kali, by Damien Hirst, on the Thames, August 2026

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Short online courses on teaching information literacy

a house with grey flint stones or brick facings and you can see a vertical row of windows and teh door with a blue sack near the door

I haven't highlighted Library Juice Academy courses for a while. They are online, priced, and on a variety of topics, including teaching information literacy. Forthcoming ones include:

- Online Instructional Design and Delivery. Cost - US $375.00. Duration: September 7 - October 18 2026. Tutor: Mimi Otten "This six-week course equips educators with the essential skills and frameworks for designing engaging, learner-centered online courses. Grounded in the principles of backward design and the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, participants will explore how to align learning outcomes with meaningful assessments and select instructional strategies that promote active student engagement..." https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/111-online-instructional-design-and-delivery/
- Backwards Design for Library Instruction
. Cost: US $250.00. Duration: October 5 - November 1 2026. Tutor: Liz Johns "This four-week course introduces participants to backwards design principles and practices for teaching. Unlike the traditional forward design method, which selects content or activities first and then aligns them with learning goals, backwards design starts with the end goal: what students should learn, know, or do. It then builds teaching from that end result, emphasizing a student-centered approach..." https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/342-backwards-design-for-library-instruction/
- Curriculum Mapping Information Literacy for Academic Librarians.
Cost: US $250.00. Duration: October 5 - November 1 2026. Tutor: Logan Rath. https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/282-curriculum-mapping-information-literacy-for-academic-librarians/
- Developing a Credit-Bearing Information Literacy Course.
Cost: US $250.00. Duration: October 5 - November 1 2026. Tutor: Jessica Critten. https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/125-developing-credit-bearing-information-literacy-course/
The home page for all the courses is at https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/
Photo by Sheila Webber: house in Lewes, Sussex, August 2026


Monday, August 24, 2026

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

A European collaboration/ website on SOTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) which includes some resources, a blog and also some activities (looking to 2027) -  https://euroqsotl.org/

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Recent articles: infolit of students; digital literacy; trends in AI in higher education; mis/disinformation in election

part of a bridge seen closeup from another bridge and with river water below

Some articles from International Information & Library Review (subscription publication):
- Alenezi, F., & Buabbas, H. (2026). Investigating the Level of Information Literacy Skills of Undergraduate Students at the College of Basic Education, Kuwait. The International Information & Library Review, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2026.2717674
- Hussain, A., Ahmad, P., ALZahrani, A. S., & Ahmad, K. (2026). Artificial Intelligence and Information Literacy in Higher Education Institutions: Global Publication Trends and Patterns. The International Information & Library Review, 58(1), 67–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2026.2614894
- Bhoi, S., Jha, V. K., & Kumar, R. (2026). Information Disorder in Democracy: A Thematic Analysis of Mis/Disinformation in the 2024 Indian General Election. The International Information & Library Review, 58(1), 105–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2026.2620350
- BĂ©langer, A. (2026). In Support of the Continued Role of Libraries in Digital Literacy. The International Information & Library Review, 58(1), 160–168. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2026.2614244
Photo by Sheila Webber: from the Hungerford footbridge, August 2026

Friday, August 21, 2026

LIS Pedagogy chat: Gamification and/or Education?

a blue sky with the tops of trees and cloud wisps
On August 28 at 14.00 US Eastern (19.00 BST) there is a free online session from LIS [Library and Information Science] Pedagogy Chat, with the topic: Gamification and/or Education? "In this journal club-style session, we will discuss Molly Worthen’s “You Can’t Game Your Way to a Real Education” (New York Times, April 19, 2026), which critiques ideas of fun and gamification in education. We encourage participants to read the article prior to the discussion, however we will provide a brief summary at the start of the session for anyone who was not able to read the article in advance" There is a link on the page that should be a gift link to the article (though those don't always work for me).
To register for the event go to the schedule page https://www.lispedagogychat.org/schedule-registration
Photo by Sheila Webber: summer sky, August 2026

Thursday, August 20, 2026

AI for Teaching Guide

potted plants on a windowsill one of which shows small pink flowers and there is a small wooden sheep in one pot

Librarians at Kutztown University, USA, have created a LibGuide, AI for Teaching.
It has information about using AI in assignments, AI literacy sessions offered, sources to keep up to date with AI etc. 
Go to  https://library.kutztown.edu/AITeaching

Photo by C Webber: flower on the windowsill, August 2026

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Recent articles: Media Literacy; Content Literacy; AI; teaching and assessment

a cupof coffee sitting on a small tray

The latest issue of open-access Journal of Media Literacy Education (Volume 18, Issue 2, 2026) includes the following:
- The role of media literacy in shaping campus student leaders’ perceptions of media activism, online risks, and social support by Srividya Ramasubramanian, Minnie S. McMillian, Shumaila J. Bhatti, Shannon Burth, Julius Matthew Riles, Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz, and Melody Wilson
- Content literacy in the digital age: Integrating the development of digital language skills into civic education by Cedric Lawida and Ina-Maria Maahs
- Fact-checking in the university: The experience of the ‘VerificatĂłn Electoral’ as a model of teaching innovation by Irene Larraz et al.
- Demographic context of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) skills among senior high school students in Ghana by Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo, Aurelia Ayisi, Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, and Annie Oye
-Integrating AI into media analysis projects: Students’ insights on using ChatGPT by Serpil Yalcinalp and Hacer Turkoglu
- How to incorporate media literacy into general education curricula by Dennis O. Frohlich and David Magolis
- Mapping media literacy assessment: A systematic review to connect the dots by Lara Azar, Casey Frechette, Hafsa Zia, and Joy Amulya
- Fostering responsible AI use in communication: An integrated approach to digital literacy education by Omer Keynan, Liron Mishkin Drezner, and Yuval Gozansky
Go to https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/jmle/vol18/iss2/
Photo by Sheila Webber: a nice flat white, August 2026

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

SCONUL AI and Information Literacy CIG meeting

3 white poppies seen from above in an earth border
There is an online meeting of the SCONUL AI and Information Literacy Community of Interest Group meeting on 3 September 2026, 11.00-12.30 BST. This is free, open (I think) to those who are in libraries which belong to SCONUL (i.e. college, national and university libraries in the UK). It "will focus on AI, Academic Integrity, and the Library's role and responsibility. We look forward to hearing from colleagues around the sector on perspectives in developing practice and on the approach to developing teaching and guidance to help steer students and colleagues in making ethical use of AI in research habits and helping to address acknowledgment and citation concerns." Email sconul@sconul.ac.uk for registration details.
Photo by Sheila Webber: poppies, July 2026

Monday, August 17, 2026

Information Literacy in Ghana, Bulgaria, Germany and Dubai

a park bench in the foregraouns and in the background a stretch of beached dry grass

One paper from the WLIC conference that tool place in Busan, South Korea, last week and two papers from the IFLA Information Literacy Section satellite meeting to the WLIC conference (they are all short full-text papers): 
- A Case Study of Public Libraries in Ghana: Equipping Students with Critical Information Literacy Skills in the Age of AI and Misinformation by Ugne Lipeikaite and Ramune Petuchovaite https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/7250 
- AI, Misinformation, and Trust in Higher Education: Information Literacy Approaches of University Librarians in Germany and Bulgaria by Munazza Jabeen, Claudia Lux and Marina Encheva. https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/7249 
- Using 360° Tours and AI-Generated Media to Support Inclusive Discovery and Information Literacy by Sayed Mahmoud
Photo by Sheila Webber: no rain on Blackheath for many weeks, August 2026

Saturday, August 15, 2026

New articles: Information Behaviour - health; older people; cavers; emotions; communication; Science reporting

inside the concert venue the Albert Hall with large disks suspended from the ceiling and a partial view of the stage and seating

The last couple of issues of Journal of Documentation include the following (subscription publication):
- Delellis, N.S. & Rubin, V.L. (2026). The potential impact of concussions on information behaviour. Journal of Documentation,82(4), 1021–1041. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-10-2025-0304 (From the abstract) "This literature review highlights a gap in evaluating how concussion symptoms could disrupt IB and theorizes how persistent concussion symptoms (PCS) such as physical impairments (visual and auditory) and cognitive impairments (deficits in memory, attention and processing speed) could impact IB. Potential IB disruptions are theorized using Kuhlthau’s (1991) Information Search Process Model. Library supports for conditions with similar physical and cognitive impairments are reviewed to theorize possible approaches that could be of benefit for individuals with PCS." 
- Wang, F. & Yue, Z. (2026). Understanding the information practice of elderly people in social welfare access: a perspective of policy information reach. Journal of Documentation, 82(4), 1064–1095. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-10-2025-0298 
- Buchanan, S. (2026). The role of health information behaviour research for informing health communication: exploring and mapping connections and impact pathways. Journal of Documentation, 82(3), 640–656. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-08-2025-0237 
- Anqi, W., Arina Anis, A., Emma, M., Chenglin, Z., Yilian, M., Yihan, Q., & Yunyao, L. (2026). Emotions affecting motivation and information behavior in problem solving: a systematic literature review. Journal of Documentation, 82(3), 497–507. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-05-2025-0146 
- Beaton, T.L.S. & Allison-Cassin, S. (2026). Following the guideline: an investigation into the information-seeking behaviors of “serious leisure” technical cave divers. Journal of Documentation, 82(3), 567–587. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-08-2025-0231 
- Iwaniec-Thompson, M., Sormanen, N., Thelwall, M. & Holmberg, K. (2026). "We do the best we can with the information we have” Science reporting referencing retracted papers in the UK and Finland. Journal of Documentation, 82(3), 624–639. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-01-2026-0009
Photo by Sheila Webber: at the BBC Proms, August 2026

Thursday, August 13, 2026

GAIN: Generative AI literacy and kNowledge Framework Project Report

many white fallen chaerry blossoms
A report from some of my colleagues here at Sheffield University School of Information, Journalism and Communication, together with authors from the University of Cape Town: 
Cannizzaro, S., Abbott, P., Brooks, L., Mfengu, A., Raju, R. & Wagg, S. (2026). GAIN: Generative AI literacy and kNowledge Framework Project Report. https://doi.org/10.15131/shef.data.32336400
"In this report we present the results of a review-based study of AI literacy guidelines from a select number of British and South African Universities. The objective of this project was to conduct an initial exploration of AI literacy guidelines from an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) perspective across a wide spectrum of institutions in the two aforementioned contexts (UK and South Africa), establishing a foundation for a more systematic and inclusive integration of these principles within broader HEI GenAI policy guidelines. In the report, we provide some observations about distribution patterns of the guidelines across the UK and South Africa, and an outline of the extent to which GenAI literacy training frameworks appear to have incorporated principles around EDI"
Photo by Sheila Webber: fallen cherry blossoms, April 2026

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Critical AI

a blue sky with wisps of cloud and tree branches at the side

I haven't explored it fully, but there is interesting material on Olivia Guest's Critical AI site: papers, blog posts and videos, and some nice summaries of a few key projects at the foot of the page. Guest co-authored the paper that I blogged a few weeks ago
The site includes a link to the Critical AI Literacy (CAIL) project site.  The outputs of that project all look interesting, but my eye was caught by one of the shorter ones entitled To Improve Literacy, Improve Equality in Education, Not Large Language Models
Go to https://olivia.science/ai/
Photo by Sheila Webber: the sky this morning

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Recordings and presentations from #LILi (Lifelong Information Literacy) conference

LILi logo saying lifelong information literacy

The slides and recordings are available for the excellent LILi (Lifelong Information Literacy) conference that took place online in July 2026. The recording links (one recording for each day) are at the top of each day's page, and the slides are linked session by session. There were lots of interesting talks, with both practical examples and ideas to refelect on afterwards (also lively dialogue in chat), and it was one of those conferences that you are sorry has to end. The theme was Artificial Intelligence Meets Information Literacy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future.
I did a talk at the start of day 2 I think you're talking about information literacy, which had four elements: Why am I not more excited about AI?; The overlap of Information Literacy and Generative AI; My approach to teaching and learning; Generative AI in Information Literacy education - example. I refer back to some of the talks that had been given on day 1 of the conference.
Go to https://lili.libguides.com/lili2026conference/Schedule for the links (the first day is displayed, click on the tab at the top for the 2nd day)

Friday, August 07, 2026

The Role of the Public Library in Combating Misinformation and Disinformation

a huge leathery green leaf

Published in June 2026:
Buchanan, S. & McMenemy, D. (2026). The Role of the Public Library in Combating Misinformation and Disinformation: a Review and Action Plan Public report for Arts Council England. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and-data/our-research-library/role-public-library-combating-misinformation-and-disinformation-review-and-action-plan
They surveyed 372 public library staff in England "to explore how staff understand, experience, and respond to mis/disinformation in their communities, and what support they need to fulfil their civic role" "Our findings highlight that public libraries in England are staffed by an educated and motivated workforce well-positioned to address mis/disinformation, but that most staff are equipped with little more than intent due to various infrastructure limitations."
They make 4 recommendations
"1. A national programme of library staff education and training to address mis/disinformation.
"2. A national open access repository of library resources for addressing mis/disinformation.
"3. A national partnership agreement for addressing mis/disinformation.
"4. National library policy and operational guidance for addressing mis/disinformation."

There is a commentary on this from the UK's Information Literacy Group
Gill, S. (2026, July 23). Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in our Public Libraries – an Information Literacy Group perspective. https://infolit.org.uk/combating-misinformation-and-disinformation-in-our-public-libraries-an-information-literacy-group-perspective/
Photo by Sheila Webber: giant rhubarb leaf, July 2026

Thursday, August 06, 2026

New articles: Assessment; Medical students; AI and primary source literacies; Critical infolit; Everyday Life Information Seeking

deep blue hydrangea blooms on the bush

The latest issue of open-access Communications in Information Literacy (vol 20 no. 1) is the first under the new editorial team. It comprises:
- Application of Information Literacy Skills to Everyday Life Information Seeking in College Students: Implications for Instruction by Stephanie Ward, Rachel Dineen, and Darren Ilett
- Assessment of Information Literacy Instruction in Reference: Applying VanScoy’s Conceptual and Procedural Framework in Practice by Vanessa Arce
- Exploring Information Literacy Skills, Attitudes, and Barriers Among Medical and Nursing Students in Bahrain: A Mixed-Methods Perspective by Asif Altaf, Suchita N. Dsilva, Simple Sibi Joseph, Fida Mukhtar, Muhammad Zeeshan, and Bindhu Nair
- "An Open Mind and a Critical Stance": A Content Analysis of Information Literacy Integration into a Course about Poverty and Discrimination by Ashley Shealy, C. Rebecca Oldham, Clay Oldham, and Tara L. Griffith
- Critical Information Literacy in Higher Education: An Evolution in Theory, Practice, and Assessment by Dan Williford
- Information Literacy Tutorials for High Enrollment Courses: An Iterative Design-Based Approach by Kimberly Casey and Rebekah Heleen
- The Spectrum of Authority: A New Approach to Teaching AI and Primary Source Literacies by Kristen Howard
- Research Matters: Problem-Setting: A Research Reflection Process by Merinda Kaye Hensley
Plus an editorial and a book review. Go to https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/comminfolit/vol20/iss1/
Photo by Sheila Webber: hydrangea in the park, July 2026

Wednesday, August 05, 2026

UNESCO - MIL in Lebanon and Kyrgystan - and hate speech

a cluster of yellow roses on the bush

A couple of news releases from UNESCO reporting on Media and Information Literacy initiatives:
UNESCO. (2026, July 9). Walk Into Truth: Youth from South Lebanon Strengthen Critical Thinking and Media and Information Literacy. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/walk-truth-youth-south-lebanon-strengthen-critical-thinking-and-media-and-information-literacy

UNESCO. (July 23). Youth capacities in media and information literacy for peacebuilding enhanced in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/youth-capacities-media-and-information-literacy-peacebuilding-enhanced-osh-kyrgyzstan

Also a fairly recent publication:
Roksa-Zubcevic, A. (2026). Media and information literacy: combating hate speech in the digital age.  https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000398298?posInSet=1&queryId=0e9a466e-b510-4d4f-9c90-b17b7ecc3913
Photo by Sheila Webber: roses, July 2026

Tuesday, August 04, 2026

Digital Backlash & Digital Futures

a scene in Second Life with a woman in a dark kimono standing in a field of blue flowers
A couple of recordings of talks organised by Edinburgh University's Centre for Research in Digtal Education.
- Ingrid Forsler: The Digital Backlash in Education: Panic, Politics, or Pedagogy?  This took place on 5 May 2026: https://www.de.ed.ac.uk/event/ingrid-forsler-digital-backlash-education-panic-politics-or-pedagogy?
- Professor Jen Ross's Inaugural Lecture: What does it take to make new digital futures for education? This took place on the 10 June 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYLMclUx908
Photo by Sheila Webber, of me in Second Life, June 2026. Jen Ross mentions SL in her talk (Edinburgh were very active in teh earlier days of SL)

Monday, August 03, 2026

AI Essentials for Academic Libraries

the setting is a park and in the foreground is a tiered stone fountain and it is a sunny day

AI Essentials for Academic Libraries: Beyond the Basics is a free "bit sized" three part series that is sent to you via email. The three parts are:
Modular 1: Connecting Libraries to the AI ecosystem
Modular 2: Pedagogical Road for Teaching AI Literacy
Modular 3: How AI Is Creating Library workflow Efficiencies.
It is produced by Choice and Clarivate
There is more information and a registration form at https://www.choice360.org/ai-essentials-for-academic-libraries-beyond-the-basics/
Photo by Sheila Webber: in the Botanic Gardens, July 2026