Impact of information disorders in librarians’ community

Abstract

Objective. Librarians' role is crucial in combating information disorders. Their ability to identify false information is a core professional competency. As librarians refine their professional identities, they also cultivate a robust knowledge practice. This paper delves into the impact of information disorders on the librarian community. Methods. A group of Filipino public librarians were interviewed to understand the librarians' perceptions of the severity and impact of information disorders on their communities. Results. After careful analysis of qualitative data, five themes emerged including credibility threat, detrimental information, unfounded claims, manipulation of information, and promotion of truthful information. Conclusions. Information disorders pose a serious threat to librarians and the public. Malicious actors exploit these to manipulate public opinion, leading to fraud and false expertise. Librarians can counter these threats by sharing credible resources. They can also address the crisis of credibility by sharing expert advice and advocating for the value of accurate information.