These days it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. While social media and the internet have given us access to more information than ever before, they also have ushered in sensationalist headlines, AI-generated images and cherry-picked data – leaving many people more confused than when they started.
Fortunately, BCLS can help. We have a number of resources customers can use to navigate the tricky world of information evaluation. The first tool to highlight is this library-created guide that breaks down the search for useful information into three simple questions:
What type of information are you looking for?
- Are you looking for credible news coverage, in-depth analysis of a hot-button issue or historical primary source documents? Each type of source serves a different purpose — whether it’s providing firsthand accounts or presenting a clearly stated hypothesis — but all require readers to evaluate bias, perspective and transparency.
How do you know what is trustworthy?
- Ask yourself a series of questions about both the content and source of the information. Who is the author/publisher? What are their credentials? What do other sources say on the same subject? Our library staff can help you answer these questions in our one-on-one appointments and rotating tech classes
Where should you start?
- This question deserves a deep dive. The library offers access to all kinds of high-quality content. For example, if you are looking for reputable news sources, customers can access hundreds of magazines and newspapers with a library card.
- If it’s scholarly discourse on a niche topic that interests you, check out the journal articles available via Academic Search Premier.
- And if you want to learn more about information literacy and misinformation, consider exploring our catalog of books. Search by keyword, subject or ask a librarian for help!
