Media and information literacy in Sweden: the key to democracy and the role of the librarian as a mediator

Abstract

: Secondary school libraries play a particularly important role in supporting the educational journey of students. Besides the obvious purpose of helping students with their reading and writing skills, high school libraries have become a fundamental part in the development of digital abilities for both students and teachers. As such, media literacy is becoming increasingly necessary in today’s society. The purpose of this article is to analyze the role of the librarian in a social and democratic context alongside the media and information literacy of secondary school youth in Sweden. This study is qualitative and empirical data was collected through document analysis, observation and interviews with three librarians in secondary schools in Sweden. The results of this research conclude that although there is a long way to go (which would require continuous effort) in order to improve and broaden collaboration with all teachers, these librarians have managed to develop an effective pedagogical model structured specifically for working towards media and informational literacy. The Swedish government and educational bodies have allowed the development of projects, laws and initiatives to support librarians and teachers with the purpose of raising youth competency and skills which is necessary in order exercise their role as citizens in a democratic society.