NewsGuard was launched in March 2018 by veteran journalists Steve Brill and Gordon Crovitz to tackle misinformation online. As tech companies and platforms relied on algorithms and artificial intelligence to try to address the problem, the two saw the need for human intelligence to be part of the solution. NewsGuard employs experienced journalists who review the top news and information websites using nine criteria for credibility and transparency.

As of December 2018,  the Hawai’i State Public Library system has teamed up with NewsGuard to spread news literacy to library patrons statewide. With its free browser extension, NewsGuard displays its ratings next to links on search engines and social media feeds. By installing the extension onto hundreds of computers at its 51 branches, the library is giving patrons more context for the news they encounter online and helping them build critical news literacy skills.

Join public librarian Jennifer Young at a NewsGuard informational session at the Kailua-Kona Public Library to learn more about this innovative information resource.

All programs are subject to change. If you require an auxiliary aid or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days before the program date.