Your Name and Title: Michelle Skinner, MLIS
Library, School, or Organization Name: Chickasha Public Library
Co-Presenter Name(s): None
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Oklahoma, USA
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s): Everyone
Short Session Description (one line): Libraries as centers of digital information literacy
Full Session Description (as long as you would like): This proposed presentation discusses libraries' role as centers of technological and informational access for both individuals and entire communities. A vital part of technology usage is digital information literacy, and library staff have the opportunity to help to create a better informed community by teaching individual users how to navigate the vast online world, how to spot misinformation, and how to find trustworty primary sources about important topics. Libraries can also serve the information needs of their community as a whole by curating collections of reputable "how to" links, online guides about specific subject areas, and websites of official organizations that address common issues. Each library and community is unique, which means that the specifics of teaching digital information literacy will vary depending on a variety of factors. Therefore, broad strategies and ideas can be customized to fit the reality of each situation. Because there is no single way to teach digital information literacy, it is important to be able to identify individual information needs and to look for patterns and commonalities that can be addressed. By empowering individuals with the tools for self-directed learning and research, libraries can help bridge the digital divide and ultimately create a community where everyone has the opportunity to broaden their intellectual horizons, find and apply for jobs, and engage in lifelong learning.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: None
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