Information and Digital Literacies

Reviews / Votes

Farmer, a noted expert on information literacy (and longtime Booklist reviewer), is passionate about her subject, believing that there needs to be a systematic way for all students to become information literate, despite the lack of any standardized curriculum to assist in this endeavor. Her latest book is aimed at teacher-librarians in middle- and high-school settings. The text begins with a historical overview of literacy, education, and school librarianship, moving into detailed descriptions of informational literacy and digital literacy. The book then delves into ready-to-implement model plans and frameworks for both age ranges. Farmer shows a firm understanding of a variety of standards, including AASL and ACRL information literacy standards, ISTE technology standards, and Common Core State Standards. The book concludes with an extensive bibliography and index. This is a valuable addition to any library environment where information literacy or other library skills are taught. * Booklist * This is a great how-to manual on integrating new literacy instruction. Chapters start with a clear introduction and close with useful paragraphs on 'Implications for School Librarians' and 'References' where applicable. While early chapters are useful and provide clarity and definition, chapters focusing on middle school and high school curriculum is where the meat of this guide lays. Curriculum development for digital and information literacies is offered in the form of stand-alone courses, instructional units, and learning activities. Suggested grade levels for lessons are clear and the week-by-week structure provided for lengthier units increases the likelihood of use by librarians who wish to easily replicate or modify curriculum. Variations in lessons and planning for diverse learners make these curriculum plans open to adaptation. Tables and figures are well placed and correlate with informational text. This book will be well used and loved by school librarians developing and teaching curriculum for middle and high school students. Teachers will also find this very pertinent for strategy and skill development in teaching research to prepare students for college, life, and work in the real world. * School Library Connection * This text is a great manual on the how-to of integrating new literacy instruction as many schools change to standards such as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards, and others. The introductory chapters are useful and provide clarity and definition, but the chapters on middle school and high school curriculum are the heart of this book.... Information And Digital Literacies is unequivocally a guide that will be well used and loved by school librarians developing and teaching curriculum for the middle school and high school student. Teachers will also find this very pertinent for strategy and skill development in teaching research to prepare students for college, life, and work in the real world. Highly recommended. * American Reference Books Annual *