Information literacy as a tool to support political participation

Authors

  • Lauren N Smith University of Strathclyde

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/lirg722

Keywords:

school libraries, politics, political information, information literacy

Abstract

Recent political events have raised the profile of information literacy as a potential tool for supporting informed political participation. This article emphasises the importance of supporting political engagement through information provision and information literacy development, drawing on findings from two research projects to discuss what information needs young people have in relation to political engagement and identify some examples of work taking place in Scottish school libraries to help young people develop political knowledge and feel able to participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Some of the main barriers to libraries engaging with this work are also discussed.

Author Biography

Lauren N Smith, University of Strathclyde

Lauren Smith is a Research Associate in the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde

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Published

2016-12-13

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 123 (2016): Strategic and policy making issues in information literacy

Section

Opinion

License

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