Algorithmic Literacy in Libraries
March 2-27, 2026
In instruction, librarians are asked to contend with a wide range of issues in our current information environment, from the rise of AI to misinformation, data voids, privacy issues, filter bubbles, and more. And to deal with these challenges, we have an array of literacies, including information, media, visual, news, data, privacy, digital, and AI literacy. While there is considerable overlap among these literacies, with information literacy arguably acting as an umbrella, there are nuances and distinctions among these literacies as well. And while there is also considerable overlap among the issues in our information ecosystems and landscapes, attempting to tease out those connections and delve more deeply into any, not to mention multiple, of these issues in a one-shot class setting can feel incredibly daunting.
But in considering the many issues besetting our current information environment, a connecting thread seems to be algorithms. Algorithms increasingly shape what we see and experience in our information environment. They are an essential part of our online search experience, social media, online marketing, and artificial intelligence. And whether we are trying to make sense of trends in misinformation, the ethics of AI, privacy challenges in online spaces, filter bubbles, or the quality of online search, we keep returning to algorithms as an essential component. Could a richer understanding and a critically informed approach to algorithms themselves open the door for a deeper exploration of the many interconnected trends shaping our information environment? And could a focus on algorithms help us consider issues with our information environment in a more holistic manner, rather than in isolation?
This class will explore changes in our information environment and to information literacy itself through the lens of algorithmic literacy. Algorithmic literacy, as an emerging area, can serve as a vehicle for exploring the Internet and our information ecosystems writ large as well as interconnected topics such as AI, privacy, or misinformation. With this framing, we can bring various literacies into conversation and unpack connections between different trends, issues, and challenges within our various information ecosystems. By uncovering and exploring these connections, we can delve more deeply into increasingly important issues within our broader information environment.
Develop an understanding of algorithmic literacy that creates space for critically engaging with our complex information environment, forges new connections between literacies like AI and information literacy, and sparks new ideas and opportunities for library instruction. In the first week of this class, we will develop our understanding of algorithmic literacy and will examine current trends in our information environment. In week two, we will begin putting algorithmic literacy into conversation with other literacies like information and AI literacy. In week three we will turn our attention to library instruction and will consider needs, opportunities, and challenges for bringing algorithmic literacy into our instruction. Finally, in week four we will consider how algorithmic literacy can help us engage with more critically informed pedagogies and approaches in our work. This course will provide space for exploration, discussion, and community-building and you will be equipped with resources, ideas, and strategies that you can adapt and use for your own work in the future.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- Discuss and define algorithmic literacy and explore connections to other literacies, including information and AI literacy
- Critically evaluate trends and issues within our information environment through the lens of algorithmic literacy
- Explore opportunities for utilizing algorithmic literacy to more critically engage with our information environment
- Develop strategies for applying algorithmic literacy to different library instruction scenarios
Presenter
Sarah Morris is a librarian, educator, and curriculum designer whose research and work focuses on critical information and media literacy, AI literacy, mis/disinformation, civic engagement, student success, and information science education. Sarah has been a librarian for eleven years and received her MS in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She held positions at Loyola University Chicago and the University of Texas and served as the Head of Instruction and Engagement at the Emory University Libraries. In addition to her work in libraries, Sarah has worked on curriculum projects for organizations that include the Mozilla Foundation, ALA, Sage Publishing, and the NSF. Sarah is currently working as a media literacy program consultant with the Carter Center and as an educational consultant.
Registration
Pricing is listed to the right on this page. To register, use the register button to checkout.| Number of Seats | Discount |
|---|---|
| 3-15 | 15% |
| 16+ | If you are registering 16 or more individuals, please contact us at ce@ala.org for special rates. |
Tech Requirements
The course will be offered in the ALA LMS; you'll need a computer with Internet connection. Your participation will require approximately 3-5 hours per week of primarily asynchronous activities. Participants who complete the course requirements will receive a certificate of completion.
Contact Margot Conahan at mconahan@ala.org with questions or requests for special assistance or accommodations.