Academic Librarians’ Responses to Mis/Disinfomation: A Cross-Country Study

Boustany J., Saunders L., Brylska K., Chowdhury S., Fontanin M., Franke F., ...More

9th European Conference on Information Literacy, ECIL 2025, Bamberg, Germany, 22 - 25 September 2025, vol.2864 CCIS, pp.634-650, (Full Text) identifier

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Volume: 2864 CCIS
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/978-3-032-17272-3_50
  • City: Bamberg
  • Country: Germany
  • Page Numbers: pp.634-650
  • Keywords: Academic Libraries, Cross-National Comparison, Disinformation, Faculty Collaboration, Information Literacy, Media Literacy, Misinformation
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Academic librarians play crucial roles in combating misinformation through information literacy instruction yet approaches vary across cultural and educational contexts. This cross-national study examines how librarians conceptualize and address misinformation challenges in 16 countries (N = 1,699). Results from an online survey reveal substantial differences across four domains: perceptions of misinformation, instructional roles, pedagogical practices, and faculty collaboration. Critical gaps were identified in assessment practices, with most countries lacking systematic evaluation of student skills. The findings indicate that cultural and institutional factors strongly shape the implementation of misinformation interventions, highlighting the need for coordinated institutional—not solely individual—solutions.