This is the second article in my growing critical information literacy bibliography. I was planning to cover one article a week, but have realised it would take me 3 years to finish the bibliography as it stands now. I’ll try to cover at least 3 a week and see if I can’t speed things up a little.
Alkan, N., & Ankara, T. (2008). The Importance and Influence of Philosophical Thinking for Librarians. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 207.
This is where a critical practice of librarianship needs to begin. If we don’t take the time to seriously question what we do as a profession, we will never fully participate in changing society to the degree we are able. Overall, this article is a bit uneven and not directly related to critical information literacy, but there a few interesting things I would like to share. The authors present a number of reasons why philosophical thinking for librarians is important today. Here are a few of the more interesting:
PT maintains the connection of the librarian with theory and provides a means to strengthen the theory-practice relationship.
PT prepares the librarian for changes and innovations.
PT may motivate librarians to challenge problems that degenerate the society to which they belong.
PT equips the librarian with the discipline and habit of questioning why.
