Book Review: Critical Library Pedagogy Handbook, Volume 1: Essays and Workbook Activities

Abstract

As a librarian whose primary passion and daily job duties center on information literacy instruction, I find myself constantly searching for new techniques and resources to engage my students. To combat the dreaded vacant expressions and deafening silence brought to required library sessions by uninterested students, I do my research and plan, plan, plan. I talk about Beyoncé and Game of Thrones and Donald Trump. I wrap critical discussions in goofy jokes and friendly smiles, and I fervently hope that students leave my classroom with enjoyable memories and a smattering of knowledge about the power of information literacy. To convey this knowledge, I strive to use the most thought-provoking, discussion-based activities possible, and I am delighted to announce that Pagowsky and McElroy’s Critical Library Pedagogy Handbook(s) (2016) provide exactly the type of high-quality, thoughtful, progressive resources that every instruction librarian needs.