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This starred review, by Credo’s Henrietta Verma, appeared in the August 13, 2018 edition of Booklist Online. The book is a valuable tool for librarians who teach news literacy, but also for those who want to inform themselves for their wider library work and as news consumers.
Luhtala, Michelle (author) and Jacquelyn Whiting (author). News Literacy: The Keys to Combating Fake News. May 2018. 173p. Libraries Unlimited, paper, $45 (9781440861529); e-book (9781440861536). 070.43.
Review first published August 13, 2018 (Booklist Online).
This detailed work by librarians Luhtala and Whiting is aimed at school librarians and teachers, but its contents will also help those working with community-college and undergraduate students; even librarians who don’t specifically offer information-literacy instruction will find their thinking about media literacy expanded by the material offered. Opening chapters describe how fake news isn’t new and where K–12 students stand with regard to media literacy (which is far from where we wish they stood). Right away, readers will notice that the authors encourage a principled stand toward accuracy and toward digital literacy as a vital skill that has been maligned by snobbery favoring print. Librarians must embrace a new pedagogy that views critical digital media use as an opportunity for patrons to extend their literacy and become active citizens, say the authors. The main body of the text offers a framework for that pedagogy in chapters such as “The Stages of Research: A Model”; “Lessons for Developing Information Literacy,” 10 items on primary source close reading, source evaluation, and more; and “Citations.” Those with time for a deeper examination will appreciate the chapter “A Longer Unit of Study,” which looks at such topics as how to use digital media for good. Rubrics and copious references to helpful sources of information on media literacy and teaching round out this valuable work.
Do you teach news and/or media literacy? Please let us know in the comments about any tips you have for other librarians teaching this type of class, as well as any resources you recommend. And be sure to join us in the InfoLit Learning Community, where you can find our latest free webinars, discussion area, and IL resources Already a member? Log in here!
