Implementing Critical Information Literacy (CIL) For the First Time: The Good, the bad, and the Reiteration

The work to decolonize scholarship through information literacy has been ongoing for years. As information literacy instructors, the Education Services Team at the University at Buffalo wanted to find a meaningful approach to reshape the way we reach our students. As a response to the ongoing conversation of power structures which shape the creation and distribution of information, incorporating Critical Information Literacy into an existing curriculum seemed like the necessary path. After one year of implementation, the team can reflect on the trials and successes of this framework and prepare to revise for future iteration of our program and transform how we teach information literacy.
In this engaging presentation, the librarians will discuss their decision to deliver information literacy instruction through a critical lens with the intent to empower undergraduates in taking ownership of their research. Attendees will define Critical Information Literacy, incorporate the theory into their lesson plans with recommendations of scalability to meet the unique needs of their institution and engage in the larger conversation around CIL in an instruction setting. Attendees will also learn from the experiences of the panelists in implementing a new educational approach with its successes, challenges, and considerations for future lessons.