Algorithms are everywhere in our daily life. Amazon makes recommendations for books. Netflix recommends movies. News and trending stories appear on our Twitter and TikTok feeds. Algorithms determine what information we see, and in what order. This includes search engines like Google, Google Scholar, and library databases.

A 2012 survey from Pew Research Center found that 66% of people believed that search engines were “fair and unbiased.” But are they? Algorithms are designed by humans and therefore reflect the assumptions and biases of their designers.  Algorithms are not neutral but this does not mean they are not useful tools for research. It helps to know their limitations and biases. 

In this workshop, you will learn how algorithms can perpetuate bias and discrimination and how to critically evaluate your search results.  This event is open to all LMU students.

Registration here

About the William H. Hannon Library:

The William H. Hannon Library fosters excellence in academic achievement through an array of distinctive services that enable learners to feed their curiosity, experience new worlds, develop their ideas, inform their decision-making, and inspire others. More information can be found at http://library.lmu.edu

For more information about this event, contact John Jackson, Head of Outreach for the William H. Hannon Library, at (310) 338-5234 or john.jackson@lmu.edu.