Shaping Global Criticality with School Libraries

• Published in: School libraries worldwide Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 35 - 44
• Main Author: McPherson, Keith
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Edmonton International Association of School Librarianship 01.07.2008
• Subjects: Academic Ability; Communication; Communication Skills; Computers; Critical Thinking; Developed Nations; Developing countries; Educational Technology; Electronic Learning; Ideology; Industrialized nations; Information Literacy; Information seeking behaviour; Internet; LDCs; Learning; Librarians; Library Personnel; Linguistics; Multilingualism; Reading Instruction; School libraries; Social networks; Social research; Student Development; Students; Technological change; Television networks; Thinking Skills; Writing Instruction; Writing Skills
• ISSN: 1023-9391

This article presents the unique online learning contexts and content in which Net generation students are currently engaging, and challenges school libraries to take a different approach to literacy instruction. More specifically, it explores the role school libraries can play in developing information literacy curriculum that enables students to cope with rapid changes in multimodal forms of communication, while fostering critical thinking skills that offset students' risky online surfing behaviours. Current research and literacy theory supporting the incorporation of multiliteracy pedagogy and critical thinking in school library curriculum is examined. Practical activities for cultivating these skills in students are presented. And a discussion of the positive effects that multiliteracy and multimodality instruction in the school library can have for each student is imagined for their global futures. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]