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Publication
University libraries fighting fake news: an analysis of the knowledge and practices of Portuguese librarians
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Problems with fake news are an emerging subject that has been debated in many
sectors of society. Libraries are no exception, and particularly university libraries have been
taking a stand against this new reality and seeking to combat it, especially through information
literacy training programs. Several studies have already concluded that training that soaks
critical thinking in the use of information can benefit users; it enables them to strengthen their
strategies for distinguishing informational truth from fake news, misinformation, deceived, or
misleading information. Inspired by research carried out in Spain, this study seeks to
understand what knowledge Portuguese librarians have about this subject and what strategies
are being prepared or implemented by academic libraries in Portugal to combat fake news and
misinformation. For this purpose, a questionnaire is applied and addressed to the 172
Portuguese academic libraries registered in a national directory of libraries. The questionnaire
comprises data aggregated in four sections: library identification; characterization of
knowledge about the subject; good practices in the fight against fake news; and a final open
question. Seventy-three libraries answered, representing 43% of the universe under analysis.
The results show a thorough knowledge of the issue by librarians, but still incipient actions
regarding practices that directly address the fight against fake news, through information
literacy training.
Description
Keywords
Information literacy Academic libraries Fake news Disinformation Portugal
Citation
Sanches, T., Antunes, M., & Lopes, C. (2021) University libraries fighting fake news: an analysis of the knowledge and practices of Portuguese librarians. In A. Repanovici (Ed.), 11th International Conference on Information Science and Information Literacy (pp. 182-192). Sciendo. https://doi.org/10.2478/9788395815065-020
Publisher
Sciendo