At first glance, it seems that media literacy is more of a thing that school librarians can do. While true it is easier for a school librarian to prepare a lesson about media literacy it doesn’t mean that public libraries can’t do a program on media literacy. It would just have to be a different take on media literacy. It wouldn’t be the actual topic about what media literacy is. Although one can touch on it before getting started on a program.
The questions from the article “What is media literacy, and why is it
important” to ask when teaching kids about media literacy got me thinking about
it as well. On how one can do a program about media literacy at least for kids some
questions to ask. The questions from the article were:
- Who
created this? Was
it a company? Was it an individual? (If so, who?) Was it a comedian? Was
it an artist? Was it an anonymous source? Why do you think that?
- Why
did they make it? Was it to inform you of something that happened
in the world (for example, a news story)? Was it to change your mind or
behavior (an opinion essay or a how-to)? Was it to make you laugh (a funny
meme)? Was it to get you to buy something (an ad)? Why do you
think that?
- Who
is the message for? Is it for kids? Grown-ups? Girls? Boys? People
who share a particular interest? Why do you think that?
- What
techniques are being used to make this message credible or
believable? Does it have statistics from a reputable source? Does
it contain quotes from a subject expert? Does it have an
authoritative-sounding voice-over? Is there direct evidence of the
assertions its making? Why do you think that?
- What
details were left out, and why? Is the information balanced with
different views -- or does it present only one side? Do you need more
information to fully understand the message? Why do you think
that?
- How
did the message make you feel? Do you think others might feel the
same way? Would everyone feel the same, or would certain people disagree
with you? Why do you think that?
All these questions as I
read them I started to answer them about myself and the things I post and what I
read on the internet. These questions come to my mind whenever a relative posts
something on Facebook and I’m thinking why would they post something like this
it doesn’t even make sense and it's not true.
Programs one can do is figure out the real vs. fake news. Creating content
in YouTube videos or even starting up a side business. Knowing some basics on what
message one is putting out in the world is important to understand. As
librarians, we help a great many people out whether that is helping them print something
to helping them get started on a project. If we as librarians know the basics
of media literacy one has a better chance of explaining to someone why something can’t
be done the way they want.
Resources Used:
What is media literacy, and why is
it important? (commonsensemedia.org)
Media
Literacy Starts at the Library | by EveryLibrary | EveryLibrary | Medium
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