THE ROLE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FAKE NEWS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined the role that public libraries play in addressing the menace of fake mews in Nigeria. In recent years, the dissemination of fake news through various media channels has posed a significant threat to the country’s social and political landscape. Public libraries as trusted institutions for information dissemination and literacy promotion, have the potential to serve as pivotal agents in combating the spread of fake news. The paper emphasized various roles played by public libraries in combating the spread of fake news such as providing access to credible information resources, offering information literacy programs, and collaborating with various organizations. The paper highlights the challenges faced by the public in actively fighting the menace of fake news including lack of funds, the rapid spread of fake news in the digital era, and librarians' lack of training on how to identify and checkmate the spread of fake news. The paper concludes by emphasizing that librarians need to be trained to identify and address the menace of fake news