Role of records and archives in countering disinformation and misinformation: the perspective of LIS educators in Nigerian universities

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to fill the research gap in Nigeria and Africa concerning the role of records and archives in countering disinformation and misinformation. Design/methodology/approach Using a descriptive research design and qualitative method, the perspectives of LIS educators from two federal universities in Nigeria are explored. A purposive sampling technique was used to select both institutions and participants for the study by linking up with heads of each library school involved in the study. The data collection exercise started from the 3rd to the 19th of July 2023. In the process of conducting the study, 12 participants voluntarily participated in the interviews and discussion sessions lasted for two weeks interval. Findings The findings from the study highlight the crucial role of archives as guardians of primary sources, enabling fact-checkers to verify information and challenge deceptive narratives effectively. The findings also showed that archives also offer historical context, countering the distortion of information in disinformation campaigns. The study acknowledges challenges such as limited access to certain archival materials and concerns about data privacy, underscoring the importance of vigilance against manipulation and misinformation. Overall, the findings emphasized the significance of using archives to combat false information and create a well-informed society. Originality/value Three key recommendations emerged from the study: enhancing archival accessibility and digitalization, integrating archival materials into media literacy programs and fostering collaborative partnerships between archivists and fact-checkers. Implementing these recommendations will enable better utilization of insights from this study in countering disinformation and misinformation, ultimately mitigating their impact.