Document Type

Article

Department

Libraries

Abstract

Access to reliable information in times of emergency is important. However the quantum of information during emergency may cause infodemic. The study investigated the role of information literacy in mitigating infodemic in COVID 19 pandemic. A survey was conducted among educators and students in School of Mathematics and Computing (SOMAC), Kampala International University (KIU), Uganda. The findings reveal that: majority of the respondents (50%) either agreed or strongly agreed that they evaluated information before use; on the state of their emotions, respondents were confused, overwhelmed, alarmed and anxious; 50% were able to access the information with ease, while 50% could not. In terms of training in information literacy, half (19) of the respondents were trained, while half (19) were not; however, 100% of respondents affirmed importance of information literacy training; faculties/schools, public libraries, school libraries, and special libraries have the mandate to teach information literacy. Benefits of information literacy skills as revealed by the study includes: information literacy equips us with the necessary skills to recognize credible information; helps in decision making and productivity; enable one know the authenticity, validity and reliability of information; help in developing inquiry based problem solving, critical thinking skills; develop the abilities and skills on how to learn and learning to learn; help in our day-to-day life. The study then recommended that information literacy training be included in the curriculum in all levels of education, from primary school to tertiary levels.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

DOI

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7701

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