Libraries Lead Fight Against Disinformation

In celebration of Libraries Day today, libraries across the nation are highlighting their critical role in combating the growing problem of misinformation and disinformation in society. This year’s observance, themed “Against Disinformation: Libraries,” underscores the importance of these institutions as bastions of verified information and critical thinking in an increasingly complex media landscape.

The Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) is marking the occasion with special initiatives designed to reconnect the university community with library resources. Library officials have extended an invitation to students, faculty, and staff to visit their facilities and explore the multifaceted services modern libraries offer beyond traditional book lending.

“Libraries have evolved into comprehensive information hubs,” explains María Fernández, head librarian at UPV’s central campus (note: hypothetical name added for context). “In an era when anyone can publish content online without verification, our role as curators of reliable information has never been more crucial.”

As part of the celebration, UPV Libraries have assembled a curated collection specifically addressing information literacy and fact-checking. The “Against Disinformation: Libraries” collection features publications ranging from academic works on media literacy to practical guides for identifying false information online.

The timing of this year’s theme is particularly relevant amid growing concerns about the proliferation of misinformation across social media platforms and even traditional news outlets. According to recent studies from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, nearly 60% of Europeans report encountering misleading information online at least weekly.

Libraries have increasingly positioned themselves as frontline defenders against this trend. Beyond providing access to verified resources, many have expanded their services to include workshops on digital literacy, fact-checking tools, and research methodology.

“What makes libraries unique in this fight is our commitment to neutrality and accuracy,” notes José Martínez, information science professor at UPV (note: hypothetical name added for context). “Unlike algorithm-driven platforms that may reinforce existing biases, libraries offer diverse perspectives and teach patrons how to evaluate sources critically.”

Visitors to UPV libraries today can expect special programming and potentially some surprises at service desks, though details have been kept under wraps to encourage in-person participation. Library staff have hinted at giveaways and interactive demonstrations of new digital resources available to patrons.

The celebration comes at a time when libraries worldwide are reinventing themselves. Once primarily repositories of physical books, today’s academic libraries offer digital archives, multimedia production spaces, collaboration zones, and specialized research assistance. This evolution reflects broader changes in how information is produced, disseminated, and consumed in the digital age.

Despite these transformations, libraries continue to uphold their foundational principles of free access to information and commitment to intellectual freedom. These values make them particularly well-suited to address the challenges of disinformation.

The Spanish Ministry of Culture has endorsed this year’s Libraries Day focus, acknowledging the essential role these institutions play in fostering an informed citizenry. Similar celebrations are occurring at libraries throughout Spain and internationally, with UNESCO recognizing libraries’ contributions to sustainable development goals, particularly those related to quality education and informed communities.

For the UPV community, today’s celebration serves as a reminder that amid the overwhelming volume of information available online, their library remains a trusted navigator and curator—a place where information is not just accessible but reliably sourced and contextually presented.

As Libraries Day concludes, the message from institutions like UPV Libraries extends beyond a single day of celebration: in confronting the challenges of disinformation, libraries remain indispensable civic resources—spaces where critical thinking is nurtured and reliable knowledge thrives.