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The library's role in countering infodemics.
1philip.d.walker@vanderbilt.edu, Director, Annette and Irwin Eskind Family Biomedical Library and Learning Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA
|January 11, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic created an "infodemic" of misinformation. Health sciences libraries can play a crucial role in combating this information crisis.
Area of Science:
- Information Science
- Public Health
- Communication Studies
Background:
- The internet and digital technologies generate vast amounts of user-generated content.
- This information explosion includes inaccurate, misleading, and harmful content, particularly during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The World Health Organization termed the COVID-19 information crisis an "infodemic."
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the current infodemic related to COVID-19.
- To explore the potential negative consequences of the infodemic.
- To highlight the role of libraries in mitigating the infodemic's impact.
Main Methods:
- This is a commentary discussing the infodemic.
- It analyzes the challenges posed by user-generated content.
- It examines the potential role of health sciences, biomedical, and medical libraries.
Main Results:
- The infodemic can cause false hope, fear, anxiety, and confusion.
- Libraries are vital in providing accurate health information.
- The strategies discussed are applicable to other health and non-health infodemics.
Conclusions:
- Health sciences libraries are essential in combating health-related misinformation.
- Proactive library strategies can help manage information crises.
- Addressing the infodemic is critical for public health and well-being.
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