It's Global Media and Information Literacy Week. Learn how you can participate
Oct. 24 through Oct. 31, 2023, is Global Media and Information Literacy Week. Did you know that nearly 66% of the world’s population is using the internet? What is digital literacy? According to the American Library Association Digital Literacy is like information literacy, digital literacy requires skills in locating and using information and in critical thinking. Beyond that, however, digital literacy involves knowing digital tools and using them in communicative, collaborative ways through social engagement. ALA’s Digital Literacy Task Force defines digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”
Even though a big percentage of people are using the internet, they do not all have the digital literacy needed to navigate these technology and platforms. Wide-scale and sustainable media and information literacy training for all is still missing. Global Media and Information Literacy Week is working to bridge the gap and bring light to help support the development of media and information literacy for all to enable people’s ability to think critically and click wisely. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO is a key organization supporting this initiative. This day was launched in 2012 by UNESCO.
Media and information literacy is defined as the knowledge, attitudes, and set of abilities required to recognize when and what information is required, where and how to access it, how to critically assess and organize it once obtained, and how to use it ethically. Learning, critical analysis, and interpretative abilities are included in the concept, which transcends communication and technological tools.
Oral, print, and digital information resources are all included in media and information literacy. In an increasingly digitized, interdependent world, media and information literacy is a core human right that fosters social inclusion. It can close the gap between those who have access to a lot of information and those who don’t.
People with knowledge of the functions of the media and information systems, as well as the circumstances in which these activities are conducted, are empowered through media and information literacy.
Media and information literacy is an interrelated set of competencies that help people to maximize advantages and minimize harm in the new information, digital and communication landscapes. Media and information literacy covers competencies that enable people to critically and effectively engage with information, other forms of content, the institutions that facilitate information and diverse types of content, and the discerning use of digital technologies. Capacities in these areas are indispensable for all citizens regardless of their ages or backgrounds. Response to disinformation and misinformation requires a combination of critical information, media, and digital competencies.
Digital technologies changed how knowledge and information is accessed, shared and produced. The Covid – 19 global pandemic significantly increased the digital transmission of knowledge, making digital competencies crucial for participation in society, including lifelong learning and employment opportunities.
UNESCO is working to develop initiatives on accessing, understanding, sharing and creating information wisely using digital technologies, including for learning and employment purposes, focusing on policy advise and capacity development. Ensuring inclusiveness in terms of accessibility and gender equality are key aspects of these initiatives. Furthermore, ensuring that access meets both the needs and material circumstances of learners – including those related to the digital divide - is a priority.
UNESCO and members of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Alliance are encouraging partners throughout the world to participate in Global Media and Information Literacy Week by coordinating and registering activities and events offline or online.
The library can help with your digital literacy. We can help you find resources to improve your knowledge and competencies. We can also help you find credible resources. Each staff member working the information desk has been trained in finding credible sources.
Sarah Jones is the Carlsbad Public Library executive director. Sarah can be reached by phone 575-885-6776 or by email at sejones@cityofcarlsbadnm.com. Visit the Carlsbad Public Library website at https://cityofcarlsbadnm.com/departments/carlsbad-public-library/.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Participate in 2023 Global Media and Information Literacy Week
