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Year : 2024, Volume : 14, Issue : 1
First page : ( 73) Last page : ( 83)
Print ISSN : 2277-7938. Online ISSN : 2277-7946. Published online : 2024 April 22.
Article DOI : 10.5958/2277-7946.2024.00006.7

Beyond the data thicket: The essential role of libraries in confronting infodemics

Sivaprasad P.1,*, Thanuskodi S.2,**, Athulya S.3,***

1Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India

2Professor & Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India

3Librarian, Sri Krishna College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

*Corresponding author Email id: sivaprasadpunnath@gmail.com

**thanuskodi_s@yahoo.com

***athulyasundareshan4328@gmail.com

Online Published on 22 August, 2024.

Received:  02  December,  2023; Accepted:  25  February,  2024.

Abstract

An infodemic is too much information, including false or misleading information, in digital and physical environments during an outbreak. During disasters, such as natural calamities or pandemics, misinformation can exacerbate the situation, leading to an infodemic. This review article explores the role of libraries in tackling infodemics on social media. The methodology of this study involves investigating various sources, including research articles, news reports, and publications, and visi ting websites of the UN, WHO, NIH, and other organizations to understand their activities. Researchers also analyze social media platforms and search databases like PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords related to infodemics. The study employs a qualitative research design, using content and thematic analysis to examine information dissemination and regulation. Data sources include health organization websites, news websites, research articles, and around 100 social media posts. The repercussions of misinformation on social media include negative effects such as a rise in erroneous interpretation of scientific knowledge, opinion polarization, escalating fear and panic, and decreased access to information, especially during a disaster. Librarians, as information gatekeepers, play a crucial role in validating and disseminating information from credible sources. Librarians strive to educate patrons and curb the spread of disinformation by providing reference services, research consultations, and instruction in digital literacy. It is found that the UN and WHO are actively contributing to straightening the curve of infodemics by providing educational content on infodemic management freely available to everyone. Libraries can participate in this endeavor to create awareness of infodemics and their impact on society. This way, the library will act as the nodal point in the dissemination of accurate information, nurturing a community equipped with critical thinking skills and empowering individuals to gather information responsibly.

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Keywords

Infodemics, Misinformation, Libraries, Social media, Librarians.

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