INFORMATION EDUCATION IN COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

collective memories and disinformation in focus

Abstract

This study presents an information education proposal for Brazilian community libraries. The theoretical framework combines concepts of information education and info-education with the characteristics of community libraries and the educational potential of collective memory. The research is applied in nature, adopts a qualitative approach, and has exploratory-descriptive objectives. It was conducted as a case study with libraries belonging to Beabah!, the Community Library Network of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The study examines how these libraries address disinformation and mobilise local collective memories in their practices. Based on the systematisation of the data, an information education proposal was developed in two phases: community study and information education actions. The first phase involves investigating the socio-cultural context of the community through bibliographic and documentary research, questionnaires, and interviews. The second phase comprises six action axes: cultural activities, training, social media, memory circles, exhibitions, and content production. The study argues that collective memories and lived experiences are key resources for countering misinformation and that libraries play a central role when their services are grounded in the local context.