Informed Societies: Why information literacy matters for citizenship, participation and democracy

Information literacy is essential for citizens to play an informed role in society and its democratic processes. This book explores how information literacy can contribute to fostering critical thinking and discerning attitudes, enabling citizens to get the most out of the information flow and recognize bias and misinformation. It is written by international experts from various disciplines and will be of interest to librarians, information professionals, students, and policy-makers.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 07 January 2020
\n Publisher: Facet Publishing
\n

In the digital age, individuals and organizations are faced with an overwhelming abundance of information, particularly online. While much of this information is valuable, useful, or enriching, a significant portion is of dubious quality and origin, or even dangerous. Misinformation plays a significant role in this mix. To navigate the vast sea of information effectively, individuals need skills, knowledge, judgment, and confidence—the essence of information literacy. This applies to various aspects of life, including education, work, health, and personal growth. It is particularly crucial for acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the world, forming informed opinions, recognizing bias and misinformation, and actively participating as responsible citizens in democratic life and society.

This groundbreaking and interdisciplinary book delves into the role of information literacy in fostering attitudes, habits, and practices that support an informed citizenry. Comprising 13 chapters, each written by international experts from diverse disciplines such as information literacy, political science, pedagogy, information science, and psychology, Informed Societies: Why Information Literacy Matters for Citizenship, Participation, and Democracy explores the significance of information literacy and informed citizens for the well-being and democratic functioning of societies.

Chapter 1: Why Information Literacy and Informed Citizens Matter for Healthy, Democratic Societies

In this introductory chapter, the authors emphasize the importance of information literacy and informed citizens for the health and well-being of democratic societies. They highlight the need for individuals to be able to critically evaluate information, identify credible sources, and make informed decisions based on reliable evidence. Information literacy enables citizens to participate actively in democratic processes, engage in informed civic discourse, and hold their leaders accountable. It also fosters a sense of responsibility and civic engagement, which are essential for building strong and resilient communities.

Chapter 2: Information Literacy's Relationship with Political Science

In this chapter, the authors explore the relationship between information literacy and political science. They discuss how information literacy can empower citizens to engage in political processes, understand political issues, and make informed decisions. They also explore the role of political science in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of political literacy in shaping public opinion, promoting social justice, and ensuring the accountability of political institutions.

Chapter 3: Information Literacy's Relationship with Human Rights

In this chapter, the authors examine the relationship between information literacy and human rights. They discuss how information literacy can empower individuals to protect and promote their human rights, access information, and participate in decision-making processes. They also explore the role of human rights organizations in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of human rights education in developing information literacy and promoting social justice.

Chapter 4: Information Literacy and the Media

In this chapter, the authors explore the relationship between information literacy and the media. They discuss how the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and providing citizens with access to information. They also discuss the challenges faced by the media in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of media literacy in developing information literacy and promoting media accountability.

Chapter 5: Information Literacy and Education

In this chapter, the authors examine the relationship between information literacy and education. They discuss how information literacy can be integrated into the curriculum to promote critical thinking, media literacy, and digital citizenship. They also explore the role of educators in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the need for continuous education to adapt to the changing information landscape.

Chapter 6: Information Literacy and Work

In this chapter, the authors explore the relationship between information literacy and work. They discuss how information literacy can empower individuals to navigate the job market, identify job opportunities, and make informed career decisions. They also discuss the role of employers in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of workplace literacy in developing information literacy and promoting economic growth.

Chapter 7: Information Literacy and Health

In this chapter, the authors examine the relationship between information literacy and health. They discuss how information literacy can empower individuals to make informed health decisions, access health information, and participate in health-related decision-making processes. They also explore the role of health organizations in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of health literacy in developing information literacy and promoting health equity.

Chapter 8: Information Literacy and Self-Enrichment

In this chapter, the authors explore the relationship between information literacy and self-enrichment. They discuss how information literacy can empower individuals to pursue personal interests, learn new skills, and expand their knowledge. They also discuss the role of libraries, museums, and cultural institutions in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the need for individuals to continuously engage with new information.

Chapter 9: Information Literacy and the Wider World

In this chapter, the authors examine the relationship between information literacy and the wider world. They discuss how information literacy can empower individuals to understand different cultures, perspectives, and world events. They also discuss the role of international organizations in promoting information literacy and fostering democratic citizenship. The chapter highlights the importance of global awareness and the need for individuals to be informed citizens of the world.

Chapter 10: Recognizing Bias and Misinformation

In this chapter, the authors discuss the challenges faced by individuals in recognizing bias and misinformation. They discuss how information literacy can help individuals develop critical thinking skills, identify credible sources, and evaluate information based on evidence. They also explore the role of media literacy in recognizing bias and misinformation and the importance of media accountability in promoting information literacy.

Chapter 11: Conclusion

In this concluding chapter, the authors summarize the key findings of the book and emphasize the importance of information literacy and informed citizens for the well-being and democratic functioning of societies. They call for policymakers, educators, and individuals to prioritize information literacy and work towards creating a more informed and engaged citizenry.

In conclusion, information literacy is a crucial skill that empowers individuals to navigate the vast sea of information effectively, make informed decisions, and actively participate in democratic life and society. This multi-disciplinary book provides valuable insights into the role of information literacy in fostering attitudes, habits, and practices that support an informed citizenry. By prioritizing information literacy, policymakers, educators, and individuals can create a more informed and engaged citizenry that is capable of contributing to the well-being and democratic functioning of societies.

\n Weight: 432g\n
Dimension: 239 x 166 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781783304226\n \n