Dismantling Conspiracy Theories: Metaliteracy and Other Strategies for an Information-Disordered World

Greer (librarian, Oakland Univ.; coeditor, Unframing the Visual) and Beene (librarian, Univ. of New Mexico; coauthor, A Slow Approach to Visual Literacy in Higher Education) present a well-researched, comprehensive, and in-depth exploration of how misinformation and disinformation permeate society. The authors interweave the work of other scholars and fields of study surrounding this topic, providing numerous citations in which readers can find more resources, along with an index of concepts. The book is geared toward librarians, information professionals, and educators, who are increasingly at the forefront of combating the rise of false narratives. The authors draw on real-world examples and various scholarly sources to explain the evolving nature of conspiracy theories and ideation. They also highlight the crucial role that librarians can play in educating the public, especially in the face of the growing challenges posed by misinformation. The strategies they provide for countering conspiracies are practical and actionable, empowering librarians to take an active role in promoting critical thinking and media literacy.