Fake news most often refers to news stories which are presented as fact even though they lack factual basis.
Why is it important to be aware of fake news?
When conducting research for college and in our professional life, it is important that we find information which is accurate and verified by experts.
Using information from sources that lack authority could result in poor grades in college and potentially dangerous repercussions in our lives outside of college.
How can I avoid fake news?
Using resources selected by the college library and other libraries is a great start. The SCC Library purchases books and research databases containing ebooks, articles, and other types of information appropriate for college and professional research.
Take time to do conscientious research. Remain skeptical, think critically about information you find, corroborate information using multiple sources, and ask your instructors and librarians when you're unsure.
Learn more & get librarian help 24/7:
SCC librarians created this guide to help students learn more about how to discern fact from misinformation. It's not always easy to tell truth from fiction, so remember that you are never alone.
Librarians are available 24/7. It's our job to help you evaluate information and find credible sources. Don't hesitate to ask for help any time.
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. "How to Spot Fake News." IFLA Blogs: Library Policy and Advocacy Blog, 27 Jan. 2017, Accessed 7 Feb. 2018.
Breaking News Consumer's Handbook: Fake News Edition. On the Media, 18 Nov. 2016. www.wnyc.org/story/breaking-news-consumer-handbook-fake-news-edition. Accessed 1 Feb. 2017.
Unfortunately, there's no magic button we can push which tells us if information if accurate or not, but there are some things we can do.
In addition to using information sources we know to have a high level of credibility (like articles, books, and other information in the college library's research collections), there are some websites dedicated to checking the accuracy of facts.
Reputable newspaper, magazine, and book publishers hire people to check facts before a work is published. Websites like the following provide similar fact checking services and may be helpful in investigating the veracity of stories currently in the news.
Interested in learning some new tricks?
Try these sites from First Draft News and others.
They're designed for journalists and anyone interested in learning how to discern deception in information sources and how to verify the accuracy of reported facts.
[Based in the UK, First Draft News draws on an extensive network of news partners from around the world including the Washington Post and Google News Lab.]
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