The role of libraries in the fake news era: a survey of information scientists and library science students in Greece

Abstract

PurposeCurrently, knowing where to seek for reliable information may be one of the most important human skills. Data reliability is a matter of debate. The online dissemination of information has been a field for the reproduction of fake news. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) states that libraries are part of the answer to this ever-increasing problem. The purpose of the study is to investigate libraries' role in combating the fake news phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe study was designed to record attitudes of professionals and students of library science on the libraries' role in the battle against misinformation. The study was conducted through an online survey using a questionnaire consisted of closed-ended, seven-point Likert scale questions. The data collected were subjected to a descriptive statistical analysis. The median was used to present the results. In order to perform analysis between genders, as well as age groups, the non-parametric criteria Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis were applied to determine the existence of differences in participants' beliefs. Spearman's rank correlation test was used in order to examine whether participants' replies were interrelated.FindingsResponses by 434 individuals were obtained. Participants highlighted primarily the educational role of libraries and agreed that the fake news phenomenon is an opportunity to promote the libraries' role in society. No clear direction was recorded in the participants' beliefs about the plethora of information and fake news as a potential threat to libraries. The respondents partly agreed that the plethora of information caused work-related emotional disorders and feeling that the respondents were not able to keep track of developments in the field. Finally, the study depicted the participants' need for training on combating fake news, information sources evaluation and recognizing predatory journals.Originality/valueThe study's significance lies in the following: the study contributes to the recording of professionals' as well as students of library science views about (1) libraries' role, (2) working environment and (3) training needs, concerning fake news and the overabundance of information in the digital era.

Science Mapping of Library and Information Science (LIS) and Library Technology Studies in Indonesia

“…The data quality is crucial as this information is continuously increasing due to advances in information technology. It is essential to empower people with the skills they need to find, evaluate, and use shared information (Skarpa & Garoufallou, 2022).…”

“…Ultimately, it all comes down to user demands (Sa'diyah;& Adli, 2019). Ability to understand information architecture, navigate complex and voluminous data sets, ability to search for information (Skarpa & Garoufallou, 2022). Advances in information technology that support academics require the expertise and creativity of librarians and information technology professionals (Cain et al, 2016).…”

“…Globalization and innovative digital communication technologies have fundamentally changed the way people interact with each other (Skarpa & Garoufallou, 2022). Journals are a way of scientifically communicating and interacting in an academic environment.…”

Factors affecting misinformation combating intention in Pakistan during COVID-19

“…Prior work highlighted the crucial role of social media not only as a tool to spread misinformation during crisis (Pennycook et al, 2020;Russonello, 2020) but also as a channel to combat rumors and fake content (Skarpa and Garoufallou, 2022;Varma et al, 2021). Traditional research about misinformation on social media usually deals with either its technical detection and prevention (Ji et al, 2014) or its impact on social, psychological and physical aspects of human life (Abd-Alrazaq et al, 2020;Ho et al, 2020;AlHumaid et al, 2020;Dobson-Lohman and Potcovaru, 2020).…”

“…, 2020; Lăzăroiu et al. , 2020; Russonello, 2020) but also as a channel to combat rumors and fake content (Skarpa and Garoufallou, 2022; Varma et al. , 2021).…”