The issue of media literacy in Portuguese school libraries: data inspire action

Abstract

Launched in 1996, the School Libraries Network Program aims to install and develop libraries, making available to users the necessary resources for reading, accessing, using and producing information in print, electronic and digital media. It bases its work on three structural documents - the 2014-2020 Strategic Policy, the Learning with the School Library Framework, and the School Library Evaluation Model. The Framework, a key instrument in supporting the curriculum, has proven to be a motivating tool for the development of collaborative work on a cross curricular approach to learning and 21st century literacies training (reading, information and media). Based on the Framework Implementation Report, which has been carried out annually since 2012, it has been possible to access data regarding the participating schools, the curricular areas involved in the process and the distribution of activities by the literacy areas (reading, media and information). This systematic gathering of information led to the identification of a critical issue, because it corresponds to the persistence of a trend: there is an uneven distribution of activities by the three areas of literacy and media literacy is clearly the one that is less addressed. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the intervention strategies designed by the School Libraries Network have involved raising awareness of teacher librarians and training them for a more consistent and confident approach to media literacy. These strategies were planned and developed in four axes: 1. Teacher training; 2. Creation of web tools to support the work of teachers; 3. Creation of activities for students; 4. Establishing partnerships. In conclusion, through a diachronic data analysis, the SLN has managed to design actions that aim to increase the quantity and quality of media literacy activities in Portuguese schools.