The U.S. and the world are currently facing the challenge of misinformation, disinformation and fake news in a way that is truly endangering the future of democracies and of humanity itself. As trusted information sources, librarians have a responsibility to confront this challenge. We need to help the public not only with distinguishing among misinformation, disinformation and facts but also with learning the basic tools and processes of critical thinking to analyze local, national and international events.
Whether it is climate change or immigration, the war in Ukraine or the protests in Iran, there are current world events that the public is hungry to hear discussed in a coherent, thoughtful, informative, analytical manner, rather than through sound bites or quick tidbits on the news interrupted by commercials.
Guided by PEN America's media literacy guidelines, each session of this series will focus on a particular news topic by discussing two articles from highly reputable and credible sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, The Guardian as well as smaller news sources such as Truthout and ProPublica. Facts and events will be examined within the historical and global context in which they take place. They will also be examined from the vantage point of diversity, inclusion and social justice. Our goal is to promote global awareness and to facilitate a truly educational, fruitful and civil discussion on a regular basis. We are also aiming to discuss creative solutions to problems.
When: Two Saturdays each month, for 1 hour
Who: Open to library staff and their patrons! Organized and facilitated by members of the ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table's Programming Committee
How: Join us via Zoom - specific dates and registration links below
References & Resources:
Coming Up Next: Abortion and Reproductive Rights
When: Oct. 28, 2023, 2 PM Eastern - Register
On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ended the federal right to abortion that U.S. women had gained after the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. What changes have taken place in the U.S. in terms of laws and public opinion and activism since then? What is the state of access to abortion and reproductive rights? What is the state of reproductive health? What are the debates among reproductive rights activists about the vision and future of this struggle?
Please be sure to check out these two articles for background information. Even if you do not finish reading them, please join us anyway!
- Kate Zernike. "How A Year Without Roe Shifted American Views on Abortion." New York Times. June 24, 2023
- Emily Badger et al., "States with Abortion Bans Are Among Least Supportive for Mothers and Children." New York Times. July 30, 2022
Additional Suggested Readings:
- Systemic Racism and Reproductive Injustice in the United States: A Report for the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination.
- Reproductive Justice: A Reading List
Upcoming Discussion Dates & Registration:
- Nov. 4, 2023, 2 PM Eastern: Topic to be determined - Register
- Nov. 18, 2023, 2 PM Eastern: Topic to be determined - Register