On Display: Fakes, Frauds & Phonies: Understanding the Noise in a Post-truth World

The phenomenon of “fake news” is nothing new. For centuries, consumers of information have encountered and engaged with sources that present stories that play to our own prejudices and biases, manipulating facts to serve specific agendas. Today, with the ubiquity and ease in which information is both disseminated and received, it is paramount that we remain vigilant against the scourge of fabricated sources.

As information professionals, librarians have been at the forefront of emerging media, providing guidance in using and interacting with information resources. Within the higher education community, academic librarians endeavor to ensure that learners know how to actively and responsibly engage with information as students, relying on ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education. Librarians help students to recognize when information is needed and to develop the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. These skills contribute to scholarly inquiry and help prepare for lifelong learning in the workplace and everyday life.

To further provide guidance in evaluating news sources, the Bentley Library has curated this collection of resources, which will be on display from April 3 to May 14. If you are interested in more information on evaluating resources, check out our research guide, or contact a librarian.