In 2023 the Australian Library and Information Association collaborated with researchers from the University of Canberra to conduct a national study of the media literacy needs and perceptions of libraries and information services (LIS) professionals. They found that among LIS professionals, there was a strong perception of their role in educating the public in media literacy, especially the adult population. LIS professionals also expressed a desire to learn more about media literacy and media literacy training. To respond to this need, ALIA and the University of Canberra developed a 7-week short course for LIS professionals which ran over two sessions in 2022 with a total of 44 students. They then evaluated the effectiveness of the course in preparing libraries in their media literacy education development and delivery. This report shares findings from the national survey and the evaluation study.
The Australian Media Literacy Alliance (AMLA) developed this document to outline a direction for the development of a national strategy for Media Literacy in Australia. It draws on a national survey of 3510 Australian adults about media use, attitudes and abilities as well as a consultation process involving six workshops across Australia conducted in September 2021. In 2020 we implemented Australia’s first nationally representative survey on media literacy. The survey was designed with input from diverse voices in the media literacy field including researchers, media producers, policymakers, government agencies, educators and public cultural institutions. We launched the survey report at events in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and online on April 13 2021. The survey findings will also be used to inform a national media literacy strategy co-design process. As part of this process we will host online and face-to-face events to engage organisations who are supporting media literacy across the country. These events will take place in May-July 2021.
Towards a National Media Literacy Strategy
