Week 3: Digital, Media, and Information Literacy

Information is everywhere! As I reflected on my information diet this week, I came to the conclusion that it is in desperate need of overhaul. In general I do not watch or listen to any news other than occasionally hearing 5 minutes of news on the radio on the way to work. The minimal news I ingest is usually from social media or from friends and colleagues. 

As a librarian, I know I need to be more informed on current events and the happenings of the world. There is so much information out there that it is hard to discern what is reliable and what isn't.  We constantly hear cries of "fake news" from all around us. There was a time when that phrase was heard less frequently and was many times accurate. However, now anytime someone doesn't agree with something it is often deemed fake news. As a librarian it will be my job to ensure that information I share is real as well as teach students and colleagues how to discern the difference between what is accurate and reliable and what is not. It will also be my responsibility to ensure that the information students are using is reliable and true as I help them research. The Liturgists podcast was very helpful in regard to this area. I can use the checklist shared to help determine what is reliable and share it as a resource with my colleagues. 

In my opinion digital, media, and information literacy are interwoven due to the fact that computers and phones are peoples main source of information in our society. It is my responsibility as a librarian to teach the Framework for Information Literacy to my students to help them develop healthy information diets (ACRL, 2016).

Association of College and Research Libraries. (2016, Jan. 11). Framework for information literacy for higher education. Association of College and Research Libraries Board. https://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework 

The Liturgists. (2017, Mar. 7). Fake news & media literacy. The Liturgists Podcast. https://theliturgists.com/fake-news-media-literacy-podcast-page/