Dr. Anders Tobiason, assistant professor, multimedia development and user experience librarian at Albertsons Library, was recently invited to present a webinar through the Niche Academy entitled Lateral Reading Mindset: Contextualizing Information Resources.
Dr. Tobiason addressed the idea of lateral reading, and how it can create a mindset that enables critical engagement within a variety of information resources. Lateral reading is the process of reading “around” an information resource to evaluate bias, inaccuracy and hidden assumptions. He discussed how its application creates a divergent set of “ways of knowing,” from traditional information resources to evaluation techniques. Dr. Tobiason shared the theory behind lateral reading, as well as practical methods instructors can easily apply to their own information literacy teaching practices.
Library liaisons, like Dr. Tobiason, teach information literacy. Their mission is to actively empower individuals in becoming lifelong learners through critical engagement with information. Lateral reading is a key element of Boise State’s library instruction program. It can be transformative for students in navigating their information environments, and in analyzing the validity of all the contributing sources.