Conceptually rich information literacy research and practice

CHICAGO — Information literacy research is growing in importance, as evidenced by the steady increase in dissertations and research papers in this area. However, significant theoretical gaps remain. “Information Literacy Through Theory,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, provides an approachable introduction to theory development and use within information literacy research. It provides a space for key theorists in the field to discuss, interrogate, and reflect on the applicability of theory within information literacy research, as well as the implications for this work within a variety of contexts. Edited by Alison Hicks, Annemaree Lloyd, and Ola Pilerotach, each chapter considers a particular theory as its focal point, from information literacy and the social to information literacy through an equity mindset. They unpack what assumptions each theory makes about key concepts and the ways in which the theory enables or constrains our understanding of information literacy.

Hicks is Assistant Professor and Program Director, Library and Information Studies at University College, London (UCL). She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Information Literacy. Lloyd is a social science researcher based at the Department of Information Studies, University College London (UCL). Author of “Information Literacy Landscapes: Information Literacy in Education, Workplace and Everyday Contexts,” Annemaree has also published over 100 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters on information literacy theory and practice. Pilerot is Professor at the Swedish School of Library and Information Science (SSLIS), University of Borås. He is widely published in international peer reviewed journals, including Journal of Documentation, Information Research, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Library Trends, and Journal of Librarianship and Information Science.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.