Libraries Protect Public's "Right to Know"
February 9, 2017 —
Finding it hard to sort out accurate news from the “fake news” that’s become so pervasive through social media? With so many news sources at our fingertips 24/7, and in so many formats, it’s hard to know what to believe.
Librarians across the country share the alarm about manufactured news and hateful rhetoric in public and private forums. The Indiana University East Library responded with an online primer on how to identify and avoid fake news. It includes “What makes a news story fake?” and “How to fact check like a pro.” (Read it at iue.libguides.com, search “fake news.”)
Neil Gaiman famously said “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.” You can count on the Library to provide factual information in this age of inaccuracy. Librarians vet the many resources, research sites and electronic subscriptions available to the public. Librarians can also help you fact-check, and you can always call the library or email a research question to Ask a Librarian from the link at the top of the home page, thelibrary.org.
There are more reasons why libraries are a haven in these unsettling times. Springfield-Greene County Libraries are safe, public spaces shared by everyone, no matter their beliefs. We openly share information without judgment. We seek to foster an atmosphere of free inquiry and provide information without bias or discrimination.
We have the responsibility to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and the public’s “right to know.” The collection of books and materials is diverse, and we believe it’s in the public interest for librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expression, including those that are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.
And we fiercely protect your privacy. Some worry about the government’s wide-reaching ability to track and analyze data gathered by snooping at social media accounts or emails. Patrons can use the collection without worrying that someone will be able to see what you’re reading, watching or listening to.