The UT Martin Research Series moves off-campus to consider corporate control of American media sources. The public event, set for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10 at the Martin Public Library, will feature Dr. John LaDue, the information literacy librarian at UT Martin.

“Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one,” notes LaDue, quoting A.J. Liebling, a New Yorker columnist describing newspaper consolidation more than 60 years ago. Since then, media consolidation has increased, with six huge conglomerates currently controlling more than 90% of the news and entertainment industry. “We’ll show how ownership and control of the media affects not only what we see and hear, but even how we think.”

In his role as information literacy librarian at UT Martin, Dr. John LaDue teaches research skills and helps students to evaluate information sources in their context. John was previously employed at the University of Pittsburgh where he spent 15 years developing web-based tools for health science education. While at Pitt, John earned a master’s degree in library and information science and a doctorate in education. He is currently working on a graduate certificate in online teaching and learning. John has been studying information and media literacy for more than twenty years.

The event is co-sponsored by the Martin Public Library, the Friends of the Martin Public Library, UT Martin’s Division of Academic Affairs, and the Paul Meek Library. It is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m., December 10, at the Martin Public Library’s downtown location at 410 South Lindell Street in Martin.

For more information, contact Erik Nordberg, dean of the Paul Meek Library, at 731-881-7070.