Case studies, cuts, and critical information literacy

Post-secondary institutions are responding to cuts in government funding by prioritizing skillsbuilding directly related to employment. Conservative governments ignore employers’ call for transferable skills in new graduates, and use funding cuts to pressure educational institutions’ focus. Librarians face the challenging task of offering instruction in both specific technical skills and transferable thinking skills in a limited time period. Critical information literacy is increasingly included as part of instruction in post-secondary libraries, in addition to technical use of library resources. This paper includes practical examples of critical library instruction using case studies, and explores the relationship between case studies and critical information literacy. Case studies in library classes or workshops fit within required guidelines for careerfocused learning and practical skills-building while providing opportunities for students to engage in analysis of information. Cases lend themselves well to progressive, learner-focused, and flexible modes of instruction. This paper argues for case studies as a radical, relevant tool in post-secondary library teaching