Forum Question

In a world of disinformation, social media, and “alternative facts,” how do you identify and vet credible information sources? How do you share those credible sources with students and public library users? What is a librarian’s role in helping the greater community find common ground in shared facts?

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Reflection and Action

There are so many moving parts with which to work in helping the greater community find common ground in shared facts. Beliefs and community values, social/family connections and identity/place play a big role. Shared facts in a community will always rub against or coalesce with those in mind. To be effective, the public library first needs to build trust as a respected and reliable resource within that community.
Opportunities for the public library to build trust as the go-to place for the most reliable information include engaging/partnering with community organizations, grass roots networks and schools, and using social…

Tags: Accuracy, critical thinking, media literacy, Public trust, Sources

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Start'em young and use their tools

I have worked in all types of libraries...academic, public, military, and public school. Teaching information literacy is crucial, but I also think it's is vital we use the tools our patrons use. I found that my high school students responded much better and demonstrated deeper understanding when I used social media apps in my lessons rather than the typical tools of a librarian. I still used databases, etc, but my students only engaged when I first used the apps like twitter to demonstrate the credibility (or lack thereof) and authority of tweets on a variety of topics. We talked about…

Tags: misinformation, Social media, Twitter

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Comprehensive research guide for media/news literacy resources

I've learned about so many new-to-me resources through posts on this Forum. It has been great having this opportunity to learn from all the librarians here! It got me thinking about LibGuides--or other research guides--for media/news literacy resources. I'm aware of some that focus on specific grade levels or subjects, but not any that aim to be truly comprehensive and compile quality, up-to-date resources for media/news literacy (as an umbrella term). Is anyone aware of any? I'd appreciate any recommendations.

If this doesn't yet exist, I'd like to suggest it as an idea for the thought leaders…

Tags: information literacy, media literacy

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When information clashes with disinformation

I was recently reflecting on a conversation I had with one of my student a short while back. I was lecturing on a topic of general interest when a hand went up. "Where did you get that from?", asked a student. The "that" in which they were referring to was a particular source of information on the topic at hand. Granted, I was somewhat proud that this student was asking a preliminary yet vital question in the vetting process, but I knew where the conversation was heading. "That's not what I heard" was their next comment.

The…

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Can Resources Pass the Litmus Test for Validity?

Identifying reliable data relies directly on who authored the information. I recently attended an online training on Zoom. One of the presenters spoke about compiling information for a speech presentation. She remarked, "One does not have to go to the library when you have all the information you need on the computer." Yes, it's convenient to access from home; however, is the data obtained from a reliable resource? Internet websites do not necessarily provide us with the most authoritative information.
Primarily librarians are the best skilled in knowing the criteria for trustworthy information. They can create library website…

Tags: Accuracy

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Welcome Message

My Fellow Librarian,

American self-government was created by a small group of people who were thinkers as well as doers, engaged in both the world of ideas and public affairs. The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress was created to help foster that traditional American interaction, providing space to better understand and address the challenges facing democracy in the 21st century.

As we all experience the deluge of information that comes at us through the internet, we want to engage you – America’s librarians – in a conversation about how citizens can sort fact from fiction, information from disinformation. After all, it is no longer easy for citizens to identify credible information, engage in legitimate debate, or counter disinformation.

We launched this WikiWisdom Forum to celebrate Danielle Allen, winner of the 2020 Kluge Prize, and her role in civics education. It is designed to learn from America’s librarians how you discern credibility and authenticity in information sources, how you communicate that to students and public library users, and what role librarians should play in helping the greater community find common ground in shared facts.

This peer collaboration platform will be live until February 10, 2021. After extensive on-line discussion, we will choose a small group of thought leaders from everyone who participates. This small group will work with the moderator to prepare a report of actionable ideas that your colleagues can use as they attempt to counter disinformation in their own communities.

On March 11, the thought leaders will present their report, with your ideas, to Danielle Allen and us in a virtual meeting sponsored by the Kluge Center of the Library of Congress.

Don’t delay. Please join our conversation today.

Thank you for your participation,

Dr. John Haskell
Director of the Kluge Center

Julius Jefferson
President of the American Library Association

Moderator Message

Cindy Richards Moderator

Welcome to this WikiWisdom Forum. I’m Cindy Richards and I will be your moderator.
How the WikiWisdom Forum Works:

Step One:
Librarians across the country are invited to share their ideas in response to the questions posed on this platform.

Step Two:
At the end of this online conversation, a small group of thought leaders will be chosen to work with the moderator to create a report showcasing your experience.

Step Three:
On March 11, the thought leaders will present their report, with your ideas, to Danielle Allen and us in a virtual meeting sponsored by the Kluge Center of the Library of Congress.