This is Really Happening: Criticality and Discussions of Context in ACRL's Framework for Information Literacy

Abstract

The development of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy has sparked an immense amount of conversation among academic librarians, though the profession is still far from consensus with regards to if, when, or how the document should be implemented. This essay argues that despite debates over various points within the text, the overall theme of the Framework is a call for librarians and educators to recognize the importance of context when discussing information literacy. As this relates to the curriculum of higher education, instruction and assignments can no longer afford to separate "school" from "real life." Classroom instruction must recognize the political, cultural, and socioeconomic dimensions of information, as well as the systems of privilege and oppression that accompany these dimensions, and encourage students to critically engage with these systems when conducting research and creating information.

Keywords

• ACRL Framework for Information Literacy; Critical Information Literacy; Library Instruction