Introduction

Literature review

Methods

Data analysis and results

Discussion

Conclusion

Appendix 1. Sample libraries of this study

Appendix 2. List of the selected ARL member libraries for identification of guides

References

Abstract

Built on a pilot study, this study examined how librarians understand fake news and the specific methods or strategies they suggest for detecting fake news by analyzing their guides from academic libraries. A content analysis regarding a total of 21 institutional guides was conducted. The major findings include the following: 1) in the librarians’ guides stating their definition of fake news, the two elements of falsity and the intention to mislead were explicitly stated. The other element of bias, however, was presented in only some guides. 2) The sub-elements of clickbait, a decontextualized content and omitted information were inconsistently or barely presented across these guides. 3) Only two institutional libraries put forth the notion of fact in relation to fake news in their guides. 4) All of the guides suggested checklist approaches to detecting fake news or evaluating news sources. Finally, 5) librarians acknowledge the influence of human biases on consuming news. However, psychological factors are minimally presented in most of the guides. This study provides a few suggestions. First, librarians must further clarify the term fake news so that it reflects its multiple layers. Second, librarians must incorporate new strategies, such as lateral reading and click restraints, in combination with a few prioritized elements of a checklist into their guides regarding detecting fake news. Finally, librarians must pay attention to psychological factors more when interpreting facts in their strategies about news sources and fake news.

Introduction

Fake news has been a serious public concern since the 2016 US presidential election. Academics, professionals and organizations have responded to the phenomenon of fake news by engaging in a range of activities, from conferences and empirical studies to fact checking. Librarians have also joined in these efforts. Some urge that librarians should take a leadership role in combatting fake news (Buschman, 2019; Cooke, 2017; Wade & Hornick, 2018). Similarly, others maintain that the current information crisis is an opportunity for librarians to promote the profession and demonstrate their value (Eva & Shea, 2018). Accordingly, there have been a number of efforts to tackle fake news within the profession (Buschman, 2019; Eva & Shea, 2018; LaPierre & Kitzie, 2019; Neely-Sardon & Tignor, 2018; Wade & Hornick, 2018). One notable activity introduced by librarians includes the creation of their guides for college students to discern fake news. By providing students with these guides, academic librarians have attempted to help students detect fake news and become savvy news consumers.