ReSource: Transforming Reading and Source Criticism in Digital Cultures

We are witnessing a crisis of information with the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy ideologies, as well as an increasing distrust of traditionally trustworthy sources. In tandem with this crisis, the ways in which people read and evaluate sources are changing.

ReSource aims to explore informational reading and source criticism through analyses of the interplay between 1) commercial information infrastructures; 2) societal institutions; and 3) the expectations of people in different roles.ReSource gathers all Swedish library and information studies (LIS) departments.

It will be led by a coordinator, overseen by a steering group, and advised by an international reference group. 11 PhD students will independently formulate research problems in relation to one or several of four sub-themes.

They will participate in courses in the four sub-themes, an international seminar series, two annual gatherings, desk exchanges, monthly Shut Up & Writes, individual meetings with the coordinator, and have a co-supervisor/third reader from another participating institution.11 new PhD theses will make a substantial contribution to an urgently needed understanding of the information crisis and make a significant contribution to solving the competence supply crisis of Swedish LIS.

They will contribute to the humanities by exploring traditional objects for humanities research – reading and source criticism – in relation to contemporary digital culture.