Catherine Essinger (William R. Jenkins Architecture, Art & Design Library, University of Houston)
Every talk / session was made better by participation of the group!
Catherine’s talk came at the end of the conference, and in a beautiful loop tied up the whole conference returning to themes we had started with, this time through an information literacy lens. In what she said was a last minute re-write, but felt completely natural and planned, Catherine threw thought-provoking questions out to delegates, encouraging us to consider questions around our own biases and assumptions such as ‘what would need to happen to break your trust (or mistrust) of a source or belief?’
Catherine described how she created a session about misinformation and manipulation with awareness that students tend not to use verified sources even though these are signposted on the library website and VLE; in addition students tend to value design more than they value textual information, i.e. they’ll find and use the first piece of information that matches their design rather than locate information which informs their design. The focus is on acknowledging cognitive bias, with a psychological examination of the role information plays in the life of an individual. A crucial element for exploring these themes with students is to create a safe space in the session, for example whilst students are encouraged to discuss and consider what qualities of information make them believe something, they are not asked to share their beliefs.
Some of the activities Catherine facilitates in the workshop are: for students to identify one closely held belief and develop five credible arguments against it. The purpose of this exercise is to emphasise that different perspectives and nuance exist. Students reflct on their spheres of influence; who do you innately trust? Or innately distrust? What would need to happen to break that trust/mistrust?
Catherine said it can be difficult to find architectural examples, but urban planning can give us examples; one delegate mentioned Grenfell as a clear example of the real world implications of misinformation and bias.
Catherine ends her workshop with students with a discussion about the role information plays in individual lives using a relatable example of world-building in gaming. If you are confronted with something that challenges, your world literally collapses.
Catherine mentioned many sources, one which stuck with me to follow up is a sociologist called Janja Lalich who posed the question (and wrote about) ‘Why do intelligent people believe stupid things?’ I enjoyed this opportunity to hear about Catherine’s sessions with students, and to experience some of the questions and concepts to make me reevaluate my subconscious assumptions and views.
Richenda Gwilt, ARCLIB Chair, University of the Arts London
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