Super Searchers & Meet LEO

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Searching for quality information online is more complex than ever. The expansion of digital tools has turned everything into a search device - even your camera!

With the increase in signals comes an even bigger increase in noise. As unreliable information creates new problems in the public sphere, it is more important than ever for library workers to stay sharp in their ability to guide individuals through a complicated information environment.

PLA is partnering with Google to present two sets of resources to help patrons search more efficiently and think critically about online information.

Following the success of 2023’s program, the 2025 version of Super Searchers has been revised and expanded to include information created through generative AI. The Super Searchers training and toolkit provide resources for Google users to understand the context that surrounds what they find when searching the Web. Built on work developed by University of Washington researcher Mike Caulfield, this can be a useful resource for library workers as they perform their own duties and help patrons think critically about the information they consume.

This training will be accompanied by Meet LEO (Learn and Explore Online), a program to help parents, caregivers, and educators confidently navigate the digital world. Through partnerships with family-focused organizations, LEO provides the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about online safety and digital learning for adults engaging with kids and families.

We want to hear from you! How do you engage patrons regarding misinformation? Do you have stories to share—positive or negative? Send your anecdotes or questions to project coordinator Toby Greenwalt.

Super Searchers and Meet LEO Toolkits

Google has prepared a slide deck for library workers to guide colleagues and patrons through the Super Searchers program. This includes a breakdown of core information literacy context as well as overview of the new information evaluation tools built into Google Search.

Super Searchers Video Guides

These brief videos outline the individual steps of the SIFT framework employed by the Super Searchers training.

Meet LEO

Google has prepared training materials for library workers to guide parents, caregivers, and educators through Meet LEO. This includes information about keeping families safe online and searching tips and tools.

Webinars

Super Searchers and Meet LEO Webinar Recordings

The ease with which misinformation can be created and spread online endangers everyday discourse—and libraries are uniquely suited to help counteract its negative effects. Google has created a new set of tools for evaluating material found online, making it easier to think critically about the veracity of digital information right at the point of search. New this year are additional tools to help library workers guide parents, caregivers and educators in safely navigating online with their children. Library consultant Toby Greenwalt demonstrates the capabilities of Super Searchers and Meet LEO and showcases potential applications in the library workspace.

Each webinar covers the same content.

Beyond Super Searchers: Public Libraries in the Age of Misinformation Recording

The spread of digital misinformation continues to have profound effects on the physical world, and libraries are in no way immune. How can the profession use its information literacy and critical thinking skills to understand the current landscape and better inoculate itself against these effects? This panel discussion looks at some of ways misinformation has impacted public library service, and how libraries can better operate in this rapidly changing environment. Features multiple perspectives on the effects of online misinformation and offers first-person narratives on the threats and opportunities presented.

Other Information Literacy Resources

The following resources offer a deeper dive into some of the concepts applied in Super Searchers and related resources in the library community.

The SIFT Method: Researcher Mike Caulfield’s work on misinformation and critical thinking provides the foundation upon which Super Searchers is built.

Information Literacy in Libraries: Recent research provides indicators that libraries can help people better evaluate information. The following provides additional resources specifically for library workers.

Other Trends: Emerging technologies such as AI require ongoing awareness in order to separate facts from misinformation.