Call for Papers — Open Sessions
Health and Biosciences Libraries Section
- 22 March 2022, 15:05
Theme: "Infodemic Management: Strategies for Combatting Health Mis/Dis/Malinformation"
The IFLA Health and Biosciences Libraries Section is seeking proposals for panellists to speak at their open session at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2022 Dublin, Ireland.
Theme: “Infodemic Management: Strategies for Combatting Health Mis/Dis/Malinformation”
Controlling the spread of mis/dis/malinformation is a problem that involves everyone, and we welcome diverse perspectives and encourage submissions that cover practices across different health-related areas and different regions of the world and that highlight successful interventions for improving people’s access to and use of quality and accurate health information.
Infodemics occur when rapid flows of information combine with information voids and conflicting or confusing messaging to make it difficult for people to find information and make informed decisions to protect their health and the health of their communities. Librarians play a critical role in improving the information ecosystem and strengthening public health response by ensuring people have access to accurate health information, in a usable format, from a trusted messenger, at the right time to promote healthy and informed decision making.
The COVID-19 epidemic has shown how mis/dis/malinformation can spread quickly, resulting in risk-taking behaviour, eroded public trust, and delayed services. Using the World Health Organization’s Public Health Research Agenda for Managing Infodemics as a reference, we seek proposals that recommend strategies for 1. measuring and monitoring the impact of infodemics during health emergencies, 2. detecting and understanding the spread and impact of infodemics, 3. responding and deploying interventions that protect against the infodemic and mitigate its harmful effects, 4. evaluating infodemic interventions and strengthening the resilience of individuals and communities to infodemics, or 5. promoting the development, adaptation, and application of tools for managing infodemics.
Invited speakers will address strategies for combatting health misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
Possible topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Strategies for listening to community concerns and risks
- Strategies for promoting understanding of risk and health expert advice
- Strategies for building resilience to mis/dis/malinformation
- Strategies for engaging and empowering individuals and communities to take positive action
Each speaker will have 10 minutes to address the theme. Time for Q&A will be scheduled after the paper presentations to conclude this one-hour session.
Proposals must be submitted in an electronic format and must include the following information:
Presenter’s Name:
Title:
Institutional affiliation:
Country:
Email address:
Presentation Title:
Abstract (350-500 words):
___ I understand that if my presentation is accepted that I will be expected to make this presentation by attending the WLIC in Dublin and will assume all financial responsibilities to do so.
Submissions are due by April 4, 2022, to Bethany McGowan (bmcgowa@purdue.edu). All submissions will be acknowledged.
Please note:
Speakers must be available to attend the Open Session in Dublin during the WLIC Congress. The session will be scheduled during the period of July 26-28.
Speakers must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
All expenses for attending the Congress (e.g., travel, accommodation, etc.) are the responsibility of the presenters. No financial support can be provided by IFLA.