National Institute 2026

This program will introduce methods, strategies, and artifacts for teaching information literacy through the lens of children's literature. In the last ten years, critical thinking skills have become increasingly important, and the age at which mis/disinformation exposure begins moves up with every technological innovation. Therefore, librarians and educators who work with children have a greater responsibility to impart information literacy skills alongside other early learning competencies. The speaker, an academic librarian with experience in emerging and interconnected literacies instruction, will present early drafts of an open access book designed to explain core information literacy concepts using fairytales and other children's stories. This project is funded by an OER grant through Western Kentucky University Libraries and will take inspiration partly from children's library programming. The speaker will share ways in which information literacy materials can be incorporated in libraries for children of all ages to instill both a love of reading and a love for investigation, based on conversations and collaboration with workers in the children's department of a local public library branch. Participants will walk away with sample materials, passive and active program ideas, and tangible stratgies for tackling critical thinking in a children's library setting.