Using critical thinking and perspective transformation to break information bubbles

CHICAGO — Higher education is about transformation: research shows that the most well-prepared graduates are those who have experienced changes in how they think about and experience the world around them. Jack Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, which frames how adults think about and interact with the world around them, offers a way forward. In “Information Literacy and Critical Thinking: Using Perspective Transformation to Break Information Bubbles,” published by ALA Editions, Amanda Nichols Hess invites academic librarians to consider critical librarianship, pedagogy, and information literacy instruction in tandem with transformative learning theory, demonstrating tangible ways to integrate these concepts into their practice. Readers will discover:

• an overview of critical library pedagogy and transformative learning theory, showing how reflection and action lie at the core of both ideas;
• in-depth exploration of the ten phases of the perspective transformation process and how they relate to key facets of critical librarianship, critical pedagogy, and critical information literacy;
• important theoretical and research viewpoints that elucidate perspective transformation;
• real-world scenarios modelling how one’s own praxis can support learners; and
• a myriad of ideas, reflection questions, opportunities for action, and additional resources to spur readers to look beyond their own information bubbles and facilitate environments where learners can do the same.

Hess, PhD, is the coordinator of instruction and research help at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She holds a PhD in educational leadership, an education specialist certificate in instructional technology, and a Master of Science in information. Her work has been published in College & Research Libraries, Communications in Information Literacy, Journal of Academic Librarianship, and portal: Libraries and the Academy, among other venues. In addition to editing and authoring books for ACRL and ALA Editions, including “Modular Online Learning Design: A Flexible Approach for Diverse Learning Needs,” Amanda also authored “Transforming Academic Library Instruction” (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019).

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