Presentation at The Innovative Library Conference (TILC), Radford University, May, 2016 Teaching students about the information cycle and the research process under ideal circumstances is valuable in showcasing intended functions and effects, but may leave students ill-equipped to deal with real-word circumstances. I’m going to argue that talking about case studies in information cycles that have short-circuited, either due to moral panics about new technologies, poor reporting gone bad, and even poorly conducted scientific research we can teach students how to be critical readers of empirical-based research claims.

1. The Biggest Lies on
the Internet
Using Real Life Examples to Help Students
Master Information Literacy Concepts
Lucinda Rush, MLIS, MME
Old Dominion University Libraries
lrush@odu.edu

2. Research. It’s messy.
Badke, W. (2015). Teaching research skills. Precise linear path or messy jungle
running? Online Searcher (39),6, 71-73.

3. If there were a
zombie attack,
first you’d see
your friends Tweet
about it, then on
the news…and
after you die
they’ll write
books.
ODU Libraries (2014, January, 02). The
information cycle. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/Vb_Mt_8m7NM

4. Technology is making us antisocial.Bacon is bad.Vaccines cause autism.

5. Aubrey, A. (2015, October 26). Bad day for bacon: Processed meats cause cancer,
WHO says. NPR. Retrieved from http://n.pr/1Gt5zj8

6. Zhang, S. (2015, October 27). Bacon causes cancer? Sort of. Not really. Ish.
Wired. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/208EV5m

7. Research
Interpretation
for the
General Public
(2013).Short circuit. Thunderstorm in East San Diego County. Retrieved from
https://www.flickr.com/photos/slworking/9575335770
Let’s talk about
Research As
Inquiry!

8. http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/495991-duck-face

9. Aldridge, G. & Harden, K. (2014, March 26). Selfie addict took two hundred a day and tried to kill himself when he couldn’t talk perfect photo. Daily Mirror. Retrieved from
http://bit.ly/1mq2rJ2
Bakarat, C. (2014, April 16). Science links selfies to narcissism addiction and low self esteem. Received from http://bit.ly/1Yjydab
Senft, T.M., & Baym, N.K. (2015). What does the selfie say? Investigating a global phenomenon. International Journal of Communication (9), 1588-1606.

10. Tabloid News
Research
Happens

11. Information
Consumers
Conversation
Contributors
Information
Creators

12. Timing is
everything.

13. (Oops, but
you get the
idea)

14. Thanks for listening!