Contribution of Information Professionals in Combating Misinformation Surrounding the Current Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Beyond

This paper presents the findings of a study on the impact of COVID-19 misinformation and the role of information professionals in fighting this scourge. A quantitative research approach was deployed to collect data from Google scholar database and analysed via Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study established that with regard to misinformation on the origins of COVID-19, 21 (44%) sources claimed that the disease originated from Wuhan city market. Results further revealed that concerning the impact of misinformation on the individual, social withdrawal, vulnerability and death (15, 48.4%) were the main impacts. As regards the role of information professionals, findings show that 18(58.1%) of the sources reported information packaging and repackaging as the main strategy for information dissemination. Findings suggest several ways for information professionals to minimise the spread and impact of COVID-19 misinformation. The study recommends a paradigm shift in information service delivery among information professionals while viewing the COVID-19 outbreak as an opportunity to reassert their roles in the changing information landscape

Open Access Scholarly Communication Practices at the University of Zambia

Open access plays a significant role in expanding access by enabling scholars more equitable participation in research and development activities globally. However, little is known about researchers’ awareness and adoption of open access at the University of Zambia. To address this gap, this study investigated open access scholarly communication practices at Zambia’s premier University. Using a survey research design, data were collected from a sample of 67 participants via an online questionnaire. Findings showed that though all (67) of the respondents were aware of open access and were upbeat towards this new form of scholarly communication, 79.1% had used OA platforms more to access scholarly content than to disseminate their own research output while 21.9% used open access publishing models to disseminate their research output. The misapprehension about open access and lack of digital skills were the major barriers to open access adoption. The paper recommends that the open access committee at the University should proactively sensitise the University community on the benefits of open access. This study contributes to the growing literature on scholarly communication practices in Zambia by offering evidence from the University of Zambia

Library Support Services at the University of Zambia amid the Covid-19 Pandemic: A SWOT Matrix

When the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) forced learning institutions in Zambia to abruptly transition to virtual instruction, library services adapted quickly to provide research services, instruction, and access to collections. This paper details how the University of Zambia Library used a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis framework to evaluate academic support services of the Library in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Key variables included the library collections, staffing, services and technology. The analysis revealed that strengths comprised qualified staff, technology support and a rich collection of information resources. Weaknesses are in the areas of poor funding and low staffing at paraprofessional and non-professional levels. Opportunities comprised emerging technology and consortia opportunities. Poor funding, competition from other providers and Covid-19 restrictions are threats. It is hoped that this analysis will help define strategic directions important to the library in an emergency or disaster. The study recommends that the library should leverage digital platforms to enhance service delivery