Fort Hays State University and Hays Public Library Join Forces to Combat Media Misinformation

Fort Hays State University’s Tebo Library has partnered with the Hays Public Library to host a panel discussion addressing the growing concern of misinformation in today’s media landscape. The event, part of an educational series, aims to equip students and community members with essential skills to navigate an increasingly complex information environment.

The collaboration comes at a critical time when distinguishing fact from fiction has become more challenging amid the proliferation of social media platforms and alternative news sources. Experts from both institutions will share strategies for identifying manipulation tactics and verifying information accuracy.

“With the sheer volume of information bombarding people daily, developing critical media literacy skills has never been more important,” said a representative from the Tebo Library. “Our goal is to empower our community to make informed decisions based on reliable sources.”

The panel is expected to cover topics including common misinformation techniques, the psychological factors that make people susceptible to false information, and practical tools for fact-checking. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive demonstrations showcasing how easily information can be manipulated.

This initiative reflects a growing trend among academic institutions to address media literacy as a core competency. According to recent studies, nearly 64% of Americans report difficulty distinguishing between factual news and opinion pieces, highlighting the timeliness of such educational efforts.

The partnership between the university and public library systems represents a community-wide approach to tackling misinformation. By pooling resources and expertise, the institutions hope to reach a broader audience spanning different age groups and educational backgrounds.

In addition to the panel discussion, organizers plan to develop follow-up resources including online guides, workshops, and curriculum materials that can be used by educators throughout the region.

The event is part of Fort Hays State’s broader commitment to fostering critical thinking skills among its student population. Similar initiatives have been launched at universities nationwide as concerns about information integrity continue to grow in importance.

Community members interested in attending the panel discussion can find more information on both the Tebo Library and Hays Public Library websites. Registration is encouraged but not required, and the event is open to the public.

“In today’s information ecosystem, the ability to critically evaluate media is as fundamental as reading itself,” noted one of the panel organizers. “We hope this collaboration will be the first of many community efforts to strengthen these essential skills.”

As part of its ongoing educational mission, Tiger Media Network will provide coverage of the event, including interviews with panelists and participant reactions, reinforcing the university’s commitment to addressing this pressing societal challenge.