Critical Information Literacy Applications for All Libraries

Through its focus on questioning who creates information, addressing algorithmic biases, and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices, critical information literacy (CIL) can serve a vital function in navigating our complicated world. This collection uplifts voices from across the field–including those from public, school, and academic libraries–to provide practical approaches that all librarians can adopt and adapt for their particular library settings. Readers will learn practical approaches for integrating CIL into instruction and praxis regardless of their level of experience; gain tools to better engage with the complexities of today's information landscape and empower their communities to do the same; be introduced to the theoretical frameworks of CIL through chapters that take a historical look at critical race theory in academic library instruction, CIL and feminist critique, and the intersection of queer pedagogy and CIL; discover in-depth profiles of programs happening in various library types, from algorithmic literacy and a targeted wiki-edit-a-thon event to an outreach initiative targeting groups historically excluded from post-secondary education; receive guidance on introducing CIL concepts to their peers and coworkers through professional development programs, such as introducing CIL practices into K-12 school culture, a CIL skills instruction program developed by public librarians to serve the everyday needs of information consumers, and a zine-making exercise for practicing reflection that embodies CIL; and find ready-to-use lesson plans and outlines, with suggestions on tailoring them to a variety of library types. Read more