For immediate release | August 3, 2021
New from ACRL - “Teaching about Fake News: Lesson Plans for Different Disciplines and Audiences”
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CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “,” edited by Candice Benjes-Small, Carol Wittig, and Mary K. Oberlies. This book adds to the ongoing conversation around this disputable phrase by helping librarians think about the topic through the lens of different disciplines and audiences, and focus on an aspect of fake news that will be compelling to a particular audience or in a specific setting.
Fake news is a problematic phrase. Does it simply mean stories that are truly fake? Does it include a story whose facts are basically true but twisted by manipulative language and fallacious reasoning? Where do memes and fabricated images fall in this definition? Is it new, or just propaganda? And yet, “fake news” is the phrase that has captured people’s attention. While librarians have justified concerns that “fake news” does not fully (or even accurately) capture the nuances of our problematic information ecosystem, it’s a phrase that resonates with and is used by others.
"Teaching about Fake News" contains 23 chapters with full lesson plans arranged into seven themes: algorithms/altmetrics, visual literacy, media literacy, memes, business, science communication, the financial/political impact of fake news, and partnerships. Each chapter has an accompanying PowerPoint freely available in the and findable with the tag “#fakenews”.
Fake news is a huge subject with numerous angles and perspectives. By taking a more nuanced approach, focusing on distinct aspects of fake news and tailored for specific audiences, librarians can move students toward a more critical approach to news literacy.
“Teaching about Fake News: Lesson Plans for Different Disciplines and Audiences” is available for purchase in and as an through the 91ý Online Store; in print through Amazon.com; and by telephone order at (866) 746-7252 in the U.S. or (770) 442-8633 for international customers.
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The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing more than 9,000 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the 91ý) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the , , , , and .
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