Considering the recent events that have taken place this summer, it is more important than ever to stress the crucial role that libraries – and particularly school libraries – can play in countering misinformation and disinformation.
School libraries are key to promoting information literacy. We teach students and young people how to evaluate the credibility of sources, particularly those online, as well as how to recognise bias and distinguish between fact and opinion. This is important not just for their academic progress. False information, particularly related to health and safety, can have serious consequences. By ensuring that young people have access to accurate and reliable information, school libraries can help protect their physical and mental well-being.
Understanding how to access reliable information online and to navigate digital environments responsibly is essential. Having the skills to critically assess information encourages lifelong learning and is essential for making informed decisions, not just in school, but also in our personal lives and future careers. Young people who have the skills to recognise and challenge mis/dis-information will become informed, responsible and engaged individuals, which is fundamental to a healthy and democratic society.
You can read CILIP’s statement on the fire damage at Spellow Hub Library in Liverpool and find out more about #FactsMatter led by the CILIP Information Literacy Group (ILG) which aims to help people improve their resilience to fake news by developing critical skills and information literacy. CILIP is a founder member of the Media and Information Literacy Alliance (MILA), the cross-sector alliance founded to help people lead happier, healthier and safer lives online. Their website is a great starting point for any school librarian looking for further information and BRIDGE has many resources for primary schools.
Resources
Here are some useful links for school librarians to share with teaching staff, governors and parents looking to help support their children.
- What is misinformation? Learn about fake news and its impact on children’s wellbeing and safety online, from InternetMatters.org
- Misinformation and fake news. Advice from Get Safe Online, the UK’s leading internet safety website.
- Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between from Common Sense Media
- Online safety courses and guides for parents. Available free from the National College.
Educational resources for use in the school library or classroom.
- Educate Against Hate. Resources developed by the Department for Education and the Home Office.
- Fake News – Teaching Resources from the BBC.
- Misinformation and fake news Learning resources from the Scottish Book Trust.
- Why people fall for misinformation – Joseph Isaac. A TedEd talk.
- 5 Ways to Spot Fake News. A short video from Common Sense Media.
- How to Spot Fake News – a poster from IFLA
Advice and support aimed at children and young people.
- Keeping children safe from inappropriate and explicit content from the children’s charity NSPCC.
- Online and mobile safety from Childline.
- Social media guides from SaferInternet.org
- How to spot and fight disinformation for students aged 15+