Freedom of Information Day is observed every year on James Madison’s birthday, March 16. Madison was an advocate for government transparency and was committed to the ideal of public access to information.

The Freedom of Information Act was signed into law July 4, 1966, and implemented a year later. It empowered citizens to request and obtain government records. Over the years, FOIA has enhanced public understanding of government operations, provided valuable information to researchers and journalists, and exposed governmental misconduct.

Modern life has us all in a position of being bombarded by information from many sources. You may not have heard the term “information literacy,” but you likely have a sense of the importance of this concept. According to the American Library Association, information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information.”

Therefore, to be information literate, one needs skills not only in research but also in critical thinking.

Your local library is here to help you develop information literacy. Our library branches give you access to reliable and freely available information on a broad range of topics and from a variety of viewpoints. Whether it is a printed copy of a book on the shelves, free access to the internet, the use of digital resources and databases, or programs put on by library staff, the library has you covered.

Make use of our catalog to search for printed books, e-books, audiobooks or video documentaries on your topic of interest. Dig deep into a subject by getting a variety of items.

Visit the online resources page at GCLD.org to find a variety of sources of information, including courses and ongoing learning opportunities.

Newspapers have long been the source of choice for current information. Our online resources page includes a variety of ways to make use of what newspapers have to offer. There is the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection and Plains to Peaks Historic Newspaper collection for when you want the additional perspective that time gives. You can get full access to The New York Times and Wall Street Journal websites. You can also use NewsBank and Newspaper Source Plus to view newspaper articles without the advertising and other distractions you get on a typical website.

Finally, our online resources page has research databases focusing on a variety of categories. In particular, you could develop your critical thinking skills with a visit to the Points of View Reference Source. You will find a balance of materials, for multiple sides of an issue, to better understand controversial topics and develop analytical thinking skills.

Your library staff also puts on programs to share information and foster community conversation. Check the library district calendar for events like Great Decisions or topics being covered at the Senior Lunch & Learn programs.

As the library district’s new digital resources associate, feel free to contact me at 970-887-9411, ext. 105, or jmarte@gcld.org to let me know how to help you become more information literate.

John Marte is the digital resources associate for the Grand County Library District.