Libraries and information literacy in a time of misinformation and disinformation
Libraries and library staff are free sources of information. Providing access and guidance to the community through the now myriad of information channels at our disposal is one of the most basic and essential services that we provide.
Google, fake news, and the wide world of the web can give you infinite information links, some of it misleading and inaccurate.
Your public library aims to continually provide accurate and engaging information and combat the spread of false information.
The challenges with misinformation and disinformation
With the abundance of social media platforms and internet sites we have to navigate misinformation and disinformation. It becomes difficult for us as individuals to know what reliable information is, what is accurate, what is deceptive. Did you know:
- Misinformation is wrong information, which is given to someone, often in a deliberate attempt to make them believe something which is not true.
- Disinformation is false information intended to deceive or mislead.
The role of the library
Information literacy is important and as a library we can assist to guide people in finding information that is original, accurate and relevant.
Libraries have always been a place of accurate information, knowledge and history and will continue to be!
Libraries help you verify and validate information, they use credible sources and provide access to books, digital resources, journals, peer reviewed articles, etc.
Promoting information literacy
During Library and Information week, libraries organise activities to raise awareness about making sure the sources of information you access are credible, reliable and accurate.
At Yarra Plenty Regional Library are hosting a range of events to assist you. Take a look at some of the events to help you with finding the sources of your information:
- Ask a Librarian Chats
- Introduction to using eResources
- Behind the Scenes Library Tour!
And more! Check out our Library and Information Week blog with the list of events for you to explore.