ABSTRACT

Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation are making unfortunate and detrimental contributions to extending the spread and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic progresses, librarians and other information professionals are witnessing a seismic shift in their responsibilities, and in fact, in the information ethics landscape itself. Librarians and information professionals are expected to arm their communities with the skills and strategies to identify and combat misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, but often risk transgressing political, religious, and moral boundaries in the process. Given the shifting information ethics landscape, how can librarians be sure they are doing the right thing? This presentation will highlight some practical examples of strategies and techniques that practicing librarians and information educators are employing to help their communities uncover and combat misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.