The library’s (special) value: facts vs falsehoods
Did you know that what is often considered the very first piece of fake news claimed there were people living on the Moon? Misinformation is nothing new and although we may no longer fall for stories like this one from 1835, we are still surrounded by false claims dressed up to sound convincing. So how do we cut through them? Welcome to the Library, a place where every resource is chosen with care and packaged with a sprinkle of critical thinking. Just what we need to get our bearings.
“Unfortunately, fake news has clearly become part of daily life. The need to check where information comes from and rely on trustworthy, high‑quality sources inevitably leads us back to the library. And it does so for one simple reason: a library doesn’t just buy every book on offer or take things at face value – it takes a critical approach.”
The Library’s role in battling misinformation: why trustworthy sources matter in the era of fake news
At a time when misinformation is multiplying and fake news and rumours spread faster than ever, libraries have once again become essential spaces for accessing reliable sources and verified facts. In this episode of CIENxCIEN, the Banco de España’s podcast, we shine a light on the crucial role played by the Bank’s Library as a point of reference for high‑quality economic, financial and documentary data.
In conversation with Celia Álvaro and Patricio Cerro, two of the Library’s specialists, Ana Comellas walks us through how this institution has evolved to meet today’s challenges while staying true to its original purpose: to provide accurate, rigorous and fact‑checked resources capable of countering the spread of rumours and manipulated content; a haven of knowledge in an era of fake news.
From its very beginning in 1931 as the Research Department Library, it was created with one clear mission: to provide reliable information that would make it possible to analyse and anticipate complex economic situations, such as the 1929 crash. Nearly a century later, that mission is more relevant than ever.
As well as playing a key role in supporting the technical and research work conducted within the Banco de España, the Library is also open to the public. You can visit the reading room whenever you like, make enquiries there, receive expert guidance or just come along to one of its exhibitions. And if you prefer to do your digging from the comfort of your own home, you can browse the digitalised resources using the Institutional Repository’s search tool or submit your enquiries by email.
The first fake news story in history, better known as the Great Moon Hoax, can be found in our Special Value Collection. You may think there’s no point in checking whether there are people living on the Moon any more, but it’s not always easy to tell truth from lies when the lines between the two are blurred so often. Whatever your questions regarding economics or finance, the Banco de España is here to help you find an answer.
Acknowledgements:
The voice reading out some of the news story printed in 1835 is that of our colleague Antonio Campos Martín from the Communications team. Thank you very much for helping us out, Antonio.
