New Jersey State Library Hosts National Forum on Reimagining Information Literacy

Published August 14, 2026

NJ State Library; Reimagining Information Literacy

The New Jersey State Library brought together librarians, educators, state leaders, and community members from across the country in July for the National Forum on Reimagining Information Literacy, a two-day virtual event focused on the evolving role of information literacy in an increasingly complex digital environment.

Hosted as part of the State Library’s Teaching Information Literacy project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the forum provided an opportunity for idea sharing and exploration of new approaches to helping students, patrons, and community members navigate today’s rapidly changing information landscape.

A National Conversation

Attendee feedback demonstrated the value of the forum as a national space for learning and reflection. Across the two daily surveys, 75% of respondents said they gained ideas or strategies they could directly use, while 80% agreed that the topics presented were relevant to them. Eighty-three percent said they learned something new about the topics presented.

Reimagining Information Literacy in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme throughout the forum. Post-event survey respondents generally expressed the view that AI should be approached as a tool to understand and use responsibly rather than something to fear. They emphasized the importance of helping students, patrons, and communities evaluate AI-generated information and recognize that AI systems are not always accurate.

Respondents also noted that the definition of AI literacy continues to evolve as technology changes, underscoring the need for information professionals to continually develop their own knowledge and work collaboratively to educate the communities they serve.

At the same time, many emphasized that the challenges facing information consumers extend beyond artificial intelligence. In an environment characterized by an abundance of information, critical thinking and the ability to evaluate information and sources remain essential skills for combating misinformation, regardless of where the information originates.

Connecting Information Literacy to Learners’ Interests

Another key theme was Connected Learning, an approach that places learners’ interests at the center of the learning process. Event sessions explored how connecting information literacy instruction to students’ interests, activities, and communities can create more meaningful opportunities for engagement.

Digital citizenship and algorithmic literacy were also identified as increasingly important.  Sessions discussed the need for individuals to understand how algorithms influence the information they encounter and how those systems can affect personal choices and, more broadly, democracy.

Practical Ideas and Resources

In addition to exploring emerging issues, attendees valued the practical strategies and resources shared throughout the forum. Survey respondents highlighted approaches including gamification, interactive storytelling, and visual thinking strategies, along with resources such as Wonder Media Library and the Library of Congress’ education resources.

The feedback also reinforced the importance of making information literacy skills a routine part of learning and ensuring that both students and adults have opportunities to develop those skills.

Continuing the Conversation

The National Forum underscored that information literacy is not a static concept. As technology, artificial intelligence, algorithms, and the information environment continue to change, information professionals and educators must continue learning and adapting.

Ultimately, the forum inspired reflection on the urgency of information literacy in the United States and beyond. Post-event survey respondents called for continued dialogue, practical and action-oriented learning opportunities, and recognition that developing information literacy is a continuous process shared by everyone—not just teachers and students.

The New Jersey State Library is proud to have convened this national conversation and will continue supporting libraries and communities as they help people build the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and confidence needed to navigate today’s information environment.