The Research Library “provide[s] an inclusive and equitable environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and collaboration, and respects diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and people” (RL Strategic Plan 2021-2026). One aspect pertaining to DEI is how systems and technologies can reinforce existing biases. One resource in particular we wanted to highlight is Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Dr. Safiya Umoja Noble.
From NYU Press:
“In Algorithms of Oppression, Safiya Umoja Noble challenges the idea that search engines like Google offer an equal playing field for all forms of ideas, identities, and activities. Data discrimination is a real social problem; Noble argues that the combination of private interests in promoting certain sites, along with the monopoly status of a relatively small number of Internet search engines, leads to a biased set of search algorithms that privilege whiteness and discriminate against people of color, specifically women of color.”
The Research Library also offers titles with similar content available through Ebook Central:
Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil
Data Feminism by Catherine D’Ignazio and Lauren F. Klein
Aside from titles focused on social bias in data systems (if interested in the topic please see our Research Guide on Social Bias in AI), the Research Library has purchased titles including antiracism, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, resources for management, bias in STEM, disability, and more.
