Public libraries: help create new information literacy approaches for teens

The University of Washington Information School is looking for six public libraries to collaborate on creating information literacy programs and resources for teens. The intended impact is to co-design a sustainable resource that provides an authentic environment for information literacy instruction, while addressing instructional pitfalls of using “live” examples on social media.

This project will develop (1) a program specifically designed for public library contexts, to engage teens in understanding the ways online information can spread misinformation; (2) a website with a fake social media feed for use in library instruction; (3) resources to help library workers in developing locally-tailored programming that draws on those examples.

This project is funded by IMLS and includes a stipend for participating libraries. We are in the process of identifying libraries potentially interested in participating in the project. See below for more details about the timeline and stipends.

Interested? Fill out this short form no later than November 8, 2024 for us to learn more about your library and the teens you serve. You may be asked to participate in a 30 minute follow-up interview to learn more about your library and for you to answer any questions about the project.

If you have questions at any time, feel free to email the project’s Principal Investigator, Stacey Wedlake, staceyaw@uw.edu

Current anticipated timeline of work:

Phase 1: February – December 2025

  • February kick off meeting
  • 7 co-design sessions from March – June
  • July – August: Run co-designed program at library twice
  • November: Meet with UW twice to provide feedback about program

Phase 2: January 2026 – July 2027

  • Run program at your library once a quarter
  • Meet with UW team four times (every six months)
  • Optional: Participate in dissemination activities (webinars and other presentations)

What each library will receive:

  • A total of $6,000 over the course of the project to support your library’s participation and any supplies you need for running the program
  • Opportunity to shape an information literacy approach that addresses your community needs
  • Chance to learn and share with UW researchers and other public libraries

 

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number #LG-256579-OLS-24.

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