Mis/Disinformation About COVID-19 and the Position of Information Professionals in Infodemic Management

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the concept of mis/mal/dis-information (MMDI) and studies how information managers/professionals can manage the phenomenon of infodemic during the COVID-19 pandemic. We review existing literature to explore the current concepts, models, associations, and gaps in MMDI to highlight the critical role of information managers/professionals. The findings focus on defining MMDI/fake news and evaluating ongoing and emerging information literacy frameworks. Next, we highlight the existing initiatives and efforts made by Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals, LIS associations, and libraries to contradict the diffusion of MMDI and fake news and educate the public on how to navigate through an era of MMDI. Finally, the study summaries effective strategies designed by those within the LIS profession while suggesting recommendations as to how the information managers/LIS professionals can continue to improve their keys position in the digital age and contribute effectively to managing the phenomenon of infodemic.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• infodemic management
• information literacy
• librarians
• LIS professionals

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).