education - Information Matters

When teaching brand new doctoral students in library and information science (LIS), much discussion is dedicated to theories, paradigms, and the distinctions, and divides, between library science and information science. After reading Marcia Bates’ iconic article, The invisible substrate of information science (1999), a student asked: How do I explain what I do to others? How do I describe the relationship between data, information, and knowledge?

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October 15, 2025 Rachel Williams

Training Librarians for Crisis Communication: Why Virtual Reality Might Be the Answer

When you step into your local public library on a typical afternoon, you might see children and their families gathered for story time, a retiree reading in a corner, or a student hunched over a laptop. But, just as often, librarians encounter a very different scene: a patron in crisis. Public libraries have increasingly become places where people facing houselessness, mental health crises, or other personal struggles turn for help.

graphic of AI in education with books and tablet

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May 15, 2025 A. Miller

Integrating AI in Education: Educational Technology Practices, Tools, and Accessibility

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly a topic of interest and concern in higher education. Much of the current research focuses on AI policies, how AI is changing education, and the AI use cases that include benefits (e.g., new insights) and concerns (e.g., academic integrity) of AI use. This article focuses on AI integration and builds on an earlier article on AI tools, algorithmic literacies, and educational technology, demonstrating how inclusive design impacts accessibility and the design of AI in education. With this understanding, educators can evaluate existing educational technologies and AI tools as options they may consider adding to their curriculum. The integration ideas presented may help educators plan for educational technology practices, such as scaffolded lessons and assessments for AI literacy (which include digital and AI literacy frameworks and the benefits and challenges of AI). Additionally, these ideas may help educators get started with AI by offering suggestions on technologies to evaluate.

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April 30, 2025 Pam McKenzie

Western Alumni Leading the Discipline

This article gives a short overview of the impact Western PhD graduates have had and continue to have on ASIS&T and on the discipline.

Professional Development

April 28, 2025 Atticus Hawk

Naloxone Now! Canadian Librarians Save Lives

Nearly 50% of library workers in Canada have responded to an opioid overdose at work, while only half of library workers who had responded to a suspected overdose on the job felt that they had been properly trained or were confident in how they handled the situation. This situation should give us pause: most library workers are unequipped to handle this very real part of the job. As iSchool educators, we ought to ask ourselves: what are we going to do about this? Can saving lives be considered a core LIS principle?

Education

April 28, 2025 Lisa Shamchuk

Tracing “CanCon” in Library and Information Science Research

LIS professionals and practitioners may find it challenging to access current research that supports library decision-making, program development, or service evaluation through a distinctly Canadian lens. Public, school, and special libraries did not seem to have the same kind of representation in the research, and it made me wonder: what is the state of Canadian LIS research content?

Education

January 14, 2024 Sigy George

Read Smart Read Right

The intricate world of reading techniques and the art of reading goes beyond mere consumption. It is an active engagement with information, an intellectual journey, and a means of personal and professional empowerment.

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November 9, 2023 Kyrie Zhixuan Zhou

Toward Ethical Use of Generative AI in AP Courses

The emergence of generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) has sparked heated discussions around their ethical usage. The stakes are higher when it comes to the ethical use of generative AI in high schools. High schoolers are the next generation’s decision-makers, and educating them on ethical generative AI use in academia is crucial.

Education

October 23, 2023 Sigy George

The Dark Side of India’s Education System: The Silent Suffering of Its Youth

This article delves into the pervasive and concerning issue of the intense pressure on Indian children to excel academically. Within India’s highly competitive education system, the pursuit of top grades and entrance exam scores is akin to a high-stakes game, leaving students grappling with anxiety attacks, low self-confidence, depression, and, tragically, suicidal tendencies. The proliferation of coaching institutes in places like Kota exacerbates this pressure, pushing young minds to their breaking point. This article sheds light on the harrowing consequences of this relentless race for marks and calls for urgent reforms, emphasizing the need to prioritize holistic development, mental health support, and a nurturing environment for India’s youth.

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October 18, 2023 Siyao Cheng

Navigating the Landscape of Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) in Library Settings

Managing traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) within library settings can be cumbersome for any librarian, and is especially challenging for those lacking adequate training to handle the complex legal and ethical issues involved in collection development and managing collections including TCEs. Below, we explore intersections between TCEs and librarianship, including current issues and potential remedies within LIS education.