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Civic Reference CanonExample canon

Boldpost Example: Public Library Civic Canon

Civic & Public Information

A community information literacy guide anchored in public trust.

About our perspective

Public libraries serve communities across the full political and educational spectrum. Our canon prioritizes sources that are broadly accessible, nonpartisan by statutory design, and committed to public service. We acknowledge that some traditionally trusted institutions have faced politicization debates in recent years — where that is relevant, we note it.

Good and bad bias in a Canon →

2 endorsed · 3 cautionary · 1 rejected
Endorsed (2)

Library of Congress External· Library of CongressNone

Library of Congress

Rationale

Primary source documents and historical archives; statutory nonpartisan mission.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine External· National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and MedicineNone

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Rationale

Expert consensus reports, clearly documented methodology.
Cautionary (3)

Smithsonian Institution External· Smithsonian InstitutionNone

Smithsonian Institution

Rationale

Curatorial expertise, transparent sourcing, long track record of public education; some recent exhibitions have prompted concerns about how political pressures may be shaping certain interpretive choices.

CDC / NIH External· U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesNone

CDC / NIH

Rationale

Strong scientific infrastructure; some recent guidance cycles have raised questions about communication clarity under political pressure.

Domain notes

Primary research and data remain reliable; public-facing communications warrant closer reading during politically charged periods.

Commercial media External

Commercial media

Rationale

Quality varies significantly by outlet; profit incentives may influence framing of findings.

Domain notes

Use for news reporting; verify claims through primary sources.
Rejected (1)

Sources with undisclosed authorship or funding External

Sources with undisclosed authorship or funding

Rationale

Transparency is a baseline requirement for public trust.