Blog Post #2: Information Literacy

In today’s world, information literacy is something I personally struggle with, especially in a culture where “fake news” is everywhere. It can be challenging to find accurate and factual information, and this is a critical skill in both education and everyday life. Sometimes it feels like we’re drowning in information, and the overload makes it difficult to know where to begin. I’ll admit that I, too, often fall victim to the temptation of clicking this headline or that post, especially when using specific media platforms.

The concept of an information diet was new to me, but once I learned about it, it made complete sense. A diet, whether for food or information, should be intentional and selective. I’ve come to realize that my own information diet hasn’t always been healthy. Lately, it’s felt a bit sad...I find myself binging bad news on Instagram or other social media platforms, and once I start, it’s hard to stop. This habit can affect not only your mood but also your perception of the world around you.

For a school librarian, the information diet should reflect someone who is informed, balanced, and student-centered. Librarians need to rely on credible, professional sources, like:

• Library journals

• News and updates from AASL, ISTE, and ALA

• Trusted research databases
  

  This balanced approach helps librarians stay current while also modeling good information habits for students.

A school librarian should also see themselves as a lifelong learner, someone who is constantly growing and reflecting on their own practices. And just like with any healthy habit, it’s equally important to unplug and take breaks when needed. Constant exposure to information can be overwhelming, and taking a step back is necessary for maintaining mental well-being and clarity.

The idea of taking a break or stepping back from information overload really resonated with me after listening to the podcast. It reminded me how quickly we are drawn in by headlines, and how easily they influence our decision to click, read, or believe something. As future librarians, we must be able to distinguish between truth and misinformation, doing so with intention and care.

Even more importantly, we must teach our students how to do the same. Our role isn’t just to help them find information but to coach them to be critical thinkers, responsible consumers, and ethical creators in the digital world. That’s what makes the librarian’s role so important in today’s information-rich society: we are not just keepers of books, but guides through the digital landscape.

References

Digital citizenship. Common Sense Education. (n.d.). https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citienship 

Gungor, M. (Host). (2017, March 7). Fake news and media literacy [Audio podcast episode]. In the liturgists podcast. The Liturgists. https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/fake-news-media-literacy/id903433534?i=1000382332635