Critical Information Literacy

Critical information literacy is a way of thinking and teaching that examines the social construction and political dimensions of libraries and information, problematizing information's production and use so that library users may think critically about such forces  (ALA).

Why is information created?

Information in any format is produced to convey a message and is shared via a selected delivery method. The iterative processes of researching, creating, revising and disseminating information vary, and the resulting product reflects these differences.

How is information used socially?

The sum total of all knowledge derived from study, experience, or instruction; the sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered or learned. We use information from what we learn from others whether in school, at work, or within social groupings. 

How is information used politically?

 Information politics is a process of organization-level uncertainty reduction or sensemaking based on power, influence, and negotiation determining the meaning and relevance of information that is available to the organization.

How is information used economically?

Information has economic value because it allows individuals to make choices that yield higher expected payoffs or expected utility than they would obtain from choices made in the absence of information.

a. Searching as strategic exploration: Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative, requiring the evaluation of a range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops.

b. Information creation as a process: Information in any format (tweet, blog, website, television production, newspaper, magazine, scholarly journal, film, book, encyclopedia, etc.) is produced to convey a message and is shared via a selected delivery method (online, print, etc.). The iterative processes of researching, creating, reviewing, revising, and disseminating information vary, and the resulting product reflects these differences.

c. Authority is constructed and contextual: Information resources reflect their creators’ expertise and credibility, and are evaluated based on the information need and the context in which the information will be used. Authority is constructed in that various communities may recognize different types of authority. It is contextual in that the information needed may help to determine the level of authority required.

d. Scholarship as conversation: Communities of scholars, researchers, or professionals engage in sustained discourse with new insights and discoveries occurring over time as a result of varied perspectives and interpretations.

About the Presenter: Twanna Hodge graduated from the University of Washington in 2015 with her master’s degree in library and information science. She is currently the co-chair of the National Conference of African American Librarians XI Conference Programming Committee, co-chair of the ACRL 2021 Scholarships Committee, and more. Her research interests are diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues and efforts in the LIS curriculum and workplace, library residencies and fellowships, cultural humility in librarianship, and the retention of minority library staff in librarianship. She is a 2013 Spectrum Scholar and 2018 ALA Emerging Leader.