Preparedness of Public Libraries in Windhoek against Misinformation and Disinformation during Covid 19

The study used a qualitative research method and employed interviews to establish the preparedness of public libraries in Windhoek against misinformation and disinformation during COVID 19. Four research objectives were used to guide study. The outbreak of COVID resulted with the explosion of misinformation and
disinformation in communities and on social media platforms. Librarians in public libraries as disseminators of accurate information were caught unaware by the pandemic and found themselves putting measures to curb the spread of false information and raising awareness, disseminating accurate and credible information as well as sharing ideas and best practices. The findings of this study revealed that public libraries in Windhoek were involved in the fight against misinformation and disinformation during the COVID era although the pandemic came when most library and information professionals were least prepared. The study recommended that public libraries should play an important role during the time of the pandemic by disseminating credible and accurate information and guard against misinformation and disinformation.

Keywords: Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake news, COVID 19, Public Libraries.