Como combater as fake news através da literacia da informação? : desafios e estratégias formativas no ensino superior

Abstract

Aim of this study: to know the performance of information professionals in the fight against fake news, through the analysis of strategies in information literacy skills in an academic context. Method: a review of the literature indexed on Scopus and the Web of Science, associating fake news and information literacy in the context of higher education, was carried out. Results/Discussion: the Web of Science presents a total of 106 results and Scopus 43 results. The analysis points to the description of initiatives and projects from both higher education libraries and information professionals from the same sector, committed to the cause of fighting fake news. The literature stresses the importance of the educational factor: the training of motivated users for knowledge enhances the distinction of the truthfulness of what is stated and allows the identification of the most appropriate scenario for the production of knowledge. Better prepared individuals assume as insufficient the information made available by the Internet. In this process, libraries and librarians in higher education are important agents, as providers of learning and of updated and reliable information. It is suggested that measures be implemented by higher education institutions and information professionals to effectively combat fake news, especially in the academic context. It was concluded that knowledge can result in information, but the information does not necessarily result in knowledge – and information may not go beyond the level of opinion, so it is important to strengthen training strategies.

Keywords

• academic libraries
• learning and teaching methods
• university education
• informational alphabetization
• desinformation