Public libraries can help tackle misinformation and disinformation, research shows

Public libraries could play a key role in helping communities in the UK tackle misinformation and disinformation, but coordinated national action is needed to unlock their full potential, according to new research led by the University of Stirling.

Arts Council England commissioned the study – the first of its kind in the UK – to assess how public libraries are responding to misinformation and disinformation.

The report authored by the University of Stirling’s Professor Steven Buchanan in collaboration with Professor David McMenemy of the University of Glasgow sets out an action plan to strengthen the role of libraries in tackling the problem.

Misinformation – inaccurate or incomplete information shared without the intention to deceive – and disinformation – inaccurate or incomplete information deliberately created or shared to mislead – are increasingly widespread, and pose significant challenges for society, affecting public trust, democratic participation, public health and people's ability to make informed decisions.

The report argues that public libraries are uniquely placed to help address the challenges. As trusted, community-based civic institutions, they already play an important role in helping people access, understand and evaluate information through everyday services such as digital support, information literacy and community learning. 

However, the research found that libraries are currently unable to realise that potential because of gaps in training, resources, partnerships and national support.

The study surveyed 372 public library staff across England and identified ten key findings. Researchers found that while staff are generally experienced and well qualified, most have not received any training specifically on misinformation and disinformation. Most respondents also reported that their libraries do not provide dedicated guidance or educational resources, and either have no partnerships with external organisations working in this area or staff are unaware of any such collaborations.

The research also found that most library staff are rarely involved in activities specifically aimed at addressing misinformation and disinformation and face a broad range of challenges that limit what they can do. As a result, most participants did not believe their library was successfully addressing misinformation and disinformation in its community and felt it was not doing all it could to tackle the issue.

The study found that some participants had only a limited understanding of the factors contributing to misinformation and disinformation, while views differed on how libraries should balance their tradition of neutrality with taking an active role in responding to false information. Despite these challenges, most participants believed public libraries should play an active role in addressing misinformation and disinformation.

Trusted public institutions

Professor Steven Buchanan of the University of Stirling who led the research, said: “Public libraries are among the UK's most trusted public institutions and are well positioned to help people navigate today's increasingly complex information environment.

“Our findings show there is a knowledgeable and committed workforce that recognises the important civic role libraries can play. However, staff often lack the training, resources, partnerships and operational support needed to respond effectively.

“With the right national investment and coordination, public libraries can become a much stronger part of the UK's response to misinformation and disinformation, helping people develop the confidence and skills to critically evaluate information and make informed decisions.”

Drawing on the findings, the researchers have developed a four-point action plan which recommends establishing a national programme of library staff education and training on misinformation and disinformation; creating a national open-access repository of library resources to support local delivery; developing a national partnership agreement to strengthen collaboration across the sector; and introducing national library policy and operational guidance to provide a consistent framework for addressing misinformation and disinformation.

Professor Buchanan said these measures would enable libraries to build on the trust they already enjoy within communities and become a recognised part of a coordinated national response to misinformation and disinformation in UK society.

Strongest defences

Professor David McMenemy, Professor of Information Ethics and Policy, University of Glasgow, called for investment in public libraries. He said: “Our findings suggest that public libraries could be one of our strongest defences against misinformation, but only if we invest in them as one. Staff told us again and again: we are seeing the effects of this in our libraries, we care about this, we just don't have what we need - and that's a failing of policy, not of library staff.”

Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said: “Libraries and library workers are ideally positioned to support us in addressing some of the biggest challenges societies face whether that is responding to climate change, tackling censorship or combating misinformation and disinformation. However, we need to be sure that we understand the skills required to do this, build the relevant partnerships and channel our resources in the right way.

“This research is the first study of its kind in the UK and offers a robust evidence base and more detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the public library sector and how we can support this trusted nationwide network of social, cultural and digital infrastructure.”

The report The Role of the Public Library in Combating Misinformation and Disinformation: A Review and Action Plan was commissioned and funded by Arts Council England.