Richland Library offers NewsGuard browser extension

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Richland Library is offering a new option to help people weed through fake news and online misinformation.

The library now has access to the NewsGuard browser extension on its computers, and it is available for public use at all library locations, according to a news release from the library.

NewsGuard uses a color-coded system to help users figure out whether the material they’re reading online is reliable. While library visitors are browsing websites or social media feeds, NewsGuard icons appear next to links, indicating the source of the information.

Green indicates accuracy and accountability, red means falsehood and unaccountability, gray indicates platforms such as Wikipedia, and orange means satire such as sites like The Onion.

Users can hover their cursor over the icons to read specific details about why NewsGuard analysts assigned a rating. Analysts are trained journalists with a variety of backgrounds who look for certain criteria, such as whether a website repeatedly publishes false content, regularly corrects or clarifies errors, avoids deceptive headlines and discloses ownership and management.

“We are in the business of learning, creating and sharing,” said Tony Tallent, Richland Library chief program and innovation officer. “By connecting people with NewsGuard, we are empowering them with the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves and fully participate in democracy.”