The difficulty of neutrality

Abstract

The article proposes a reflection on the concept of neutrality both in relation to search engines and to libraries. In the first part the author explains that the myth of the neutral algorithm has been shattered in a number of studies and thought-pieces that have revealed that algorithms often contain the prejudices of their creators, and always reflect a human decision-making process. The commercial search engines have an interest in maximizing advertising revenue.
Library systems increase their use of search completion suggestions and make recommendations, so the same types of algorithmic embarrassments can be encountered. But the author emphasizes that the theme of neutrality is central even in one of the most traditional tasks of librarians, namely the book selection.
In conclusion, the article invites to deepen the meaning of neutrality within the library, starting from the analysis of the positions emerged during the debate scheduled at the American Library Association meeting in February of 2018.