In today’s digital world, information moves quickly — and not all of it is accurate, complete, or trustworthy. Media liter
acy helps people evaluate sources, recognize bias, identify misinformation, and explore multiple perspectives. Kimberly Public Library supports lifelong learning by providing tools and resources that help community members become thoughtful neighbors, informed decision-makers, and active participants in the life of their community.
Understanding Bias
Understanding bias can help readers recognize how word choice, framing, and editorial decisions shape news coverage. Comparing multiple sources encourages deeper understanding and more informed decision-making.
· Ground News: https://ground.news
· AllSides Media Bias Chart: https://www.allsides.com/media-bias/media-bias-chart
Identifying Misinformation & Fake News
False or misleading information can spread quickly online. Fact-checking organizations help readers verify claims, evaluate evidence, and distinguish between reporting, opinion, satire, and misinformation.
· FactCheck.org: https://www.factcheck.org
· Snopes: https://www.snopes.com
· PolitiFact: https://www.politifact.com
· Reuters Fact Check: https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/
Spotting AI-Generated Content
Artificial intelligence tools can create realistic images, audio, videos, and written content. Learning to question suspicious content, verify sources, and confirm information with trusted reporting is becoming an essential digital literacy skill.
· UW–Madison AI Literacy Guide: https://it.wisc.edu/learn/ai-literacy/
· Common Sense Media AI Literacy: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-is-ai-literacy-and-why-is-it-important
· News Literacy Project: https://newslit.org
Evaluating Sources
Before trusting or sharing information, consider who created it, what evidence is provided, whether other reliable sources confirm it, and whether the content may be designed to provoke a strong emotional reaction.
· SIFT Method: https://hapgood.us/2019/06/19/sift-the-four-moves/
· Stanford Civic Online Reasoning: https://cor.stanford.edu
· RumorGuard: https://www.newslit.org/rumorguard/
Gaining Perspective
Reading broadly and exploring multiple perspectives can help deepen understanding of complex issues. Reliable journalism and research encourage thoughtful engagement rather than quick reactions.
· ProCon.org: https://www.procon.org
· Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org
· PBS NewsHour: https://www.pbs.org/newshour
· Associated Press News: https://apnews.com
Local News & Community Reporting
Reliable local reporting helps residents understand how decisions made close to home affect schools, roads, public safety, libraries, businesses, and community life. Supporting local journalism also helps strengthen informed and engaged communities.
· The Post-Crescent: https://www.postcrescent.com
· Wisconsin Public Radio News: https://www.wpr.org/news
· Wisconsin Watch: https://wisconsinwatch.org
· WBAY News: https://www.wbay.com
· FOX 11 News: https://fox11online.com
Global Perspectives
Exploring international journalism and perspectives from around the world can help readers better understand global events, cultures, and how issues are viewed in different countries and communities.
· BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news
· Reuters: https://www.reuters.com
· The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us
· Al Jazeera English: https://www.aljazeera.com
· Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com
· AllAfrica: https://allafrica.com
· Americas Quarterly: https://www.americasquarterly.org
From Information to Action
Media literacy is more than evaluating information — it also includes thoughtful participation in community life. Understanding what is happening in the world, close to home and far away, is only the beginning; what we do with that understanding is what shapes our communities. Informed citizens can engage respectfully, stay connected to local issues, participate in elections, communicate with elected officials, and contribute to the wellbeing of their communities.
Elections & Voting Information
Elections shape local schools, libraries, infrastructure, public services, and national policy. Access to reliable election information helps citizens participate confidently and responsibly.
· MyVote Wisconsin: https://myvote.wi.gov
· Vote.gov: https://www.vote.gov
Contacting Elected Representatives
Citizens can communicate with elected representatives to share perspectives, ask questions, express concerns, or support policies. Respectful civic dialogue is an important part of representative government.
· Wisconsin State Legislature: https://legis.wisconsin.gov
· USA.gov Elected Officials Directory: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Following Legislation & Public Issues
Following legislation and public meetings can help residents better understand how decisions are made and how policies may affect their communities.
· Wisconsin Eye: https://wiseye.org
· Congress.gov: https://www.congress.gov
Getting Involved Locally
Strong communities are built through participation, service, and connection. Getting involved locally — whether through volunteering, attending community events, serving on committees, supporting local organizations, or participating in public discussions — helps strengthen civic life and community wellbeing.
· Village of Kimberly: https://www.villageofkimberly.com
· United Way Fox Cities: https://www.unitedwayfoxcities.org
· Kimberly Public Library Events: https://www.kimberlylibrary.org
Civil Dialogue & Productive Conversation
Listening respectfully, asking questions, and engaging with people who hold different perspectives can help build understanding and stronger communities.
· Living Room Conversations: https://livingroomconversations.org
· Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org
Knowing Your Rights
Understanding your constitutional rights helps you participate fully and confidently in civic life. Access to the founding documents of American democracy — and to organizations that defend those rights — is a cornerstone of informed citizenship.
· U.S. Constitution & Bill of Rights (National Archives): https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs
· American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): https://www.aclu.org
· ALA Freedom to Read Statement: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement
Talk with a Librarian
Need help evaluating a source, finding reliable information, or researching a topic? Library staff can help connect you with trustworthy resources and research tools.