Critical literacy

Earlier this week during a classroom discussion the topic of critical literacy was brought up. The question was how critical literacy relates to our individual setting. Before I can answer this question I thought I would describe the term literacy and how public libraries need to avoid placing “value judgments” on the term.

In the past, the traditional definition of literacy was defined as the ability to read and write. Literacy has also been described as having knowledge or skill in a specified field; having or showing knowledge of literature; or being a learned person. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, for most of its history, “literate” has meant "familiar with literature," or more generally, "well-educated, learned." It was not until the late 19th century that we began to associate the term with the ability to read and write. More recently the term has been expanded from the knowledge of reading and writing to any body of knowledge. A common example of this terminology would be “computer literate,” which basically means a knowledgeable or educated person in computers.

In James Elmborg’s, Critical Information Literacy: Implications for Instructional Practice (2006), he talks about “value judgments” being placed on who is literate and who is illiterate. The term literacy has long been under debate and value judgments have been placed. We can see these judgments being placed everyday in public libraries. To reach critical literacy, public libraries have to development critical consciousness with their users. In other words, instead of judging “literacy” public libraries need to learn how to communicate with their users.

Technology has changed the way in which people acquire, process, understand, and share information. Gaming, one of the newest outcomes of technology, has become a main pastime for library users, especially in children and young adults. While in class, we had lengthy discussion about the term “literate” and rather the term can be applied to gaming. Once again, we see “value judgments” being place on what is considered literate and what is not. Technology, and yes this means gaming too, is becoming a main tool for both adults and children to acquire and process knowledge. Therefore, can libraries reach critical literacy with their users without embracing these technology tools?



"literate." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 08 Feb. 2009.