Originally published on January 16, 2019 (Episode 94)
Introduction
How do we tell the difference between propaganda and scholarship? What makes a website trustworthy? And what does it mean to be an “information-literate citizen” in a digital republic overflowing with misinformation?
Jenny Presnell joins me to discuss the third edition of her book The Information-Literate Historian: A Guide to Research for History Students. Our conversation ranges from the joys of Zotero and primary source sleuthing to how Wikipedia should be used, how to evaluate digital sources, and how historical thinking itself equips citizens to sort truth from fiction.
About the Guest
Jenny L. Presnell is a librarian at Miami University of Ohio specializing in history and social sciences.
For Further Investigation
Jenny L. Presnell, The Information-Literate Historian: A Guide to Research for History Students (3rd ed., Oxford, 2019)
Sonia Bodi, “Scholarship or Propaganda: How Can Librarians Help Undergraduates Tell the Difference?” Journal of Academic Librarianship 21:1 (1995)
Sam Wineburg & Sarah McGrew, “Lateral Reading: Reading Less and Learning More When Evaluating Digital Information” (Stanford History Education Group, 2017)
Listen & Discuss
How can historical thinking skills help us navigate misinformation online?
When should Wikipedia be trusted—or distrusted?
What’s the most important skill for students to master in the digital age?
If you think better information habits make for better citizens, share this episode with a friend, colleague, or student.
