Title: The Use of Social Media Platforms in Combating Online Fake News Phenomenon in Higher Institution Libraries in Gombe State
Author(s): Yakubu Attahiru Liman; Olaogun Olusegun Victor; Abubakar Yakubu Musa; Hasiya Salihu Yusuf; Umar Shuaibu
Publication Year: 2022; Volume 17, Issue 1, pages 209-222

t Purpose: This study investigates the use of social media platforms in combating online fake news phenomenon in Higher Institution Libraries in Gombe State. Objectives: The objectives of the study include: to determine the use of social media platforms in combating fake news in libraries, to identify the challenges of online fake news in the libraries and to proffer ways of finding solution solutions to the identified challenges of online fake news. Gaps: The popularity on the use of social media has led to spread of online fake news. The extensive spread of online fake news on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp are impacting on the society negatively. Methods/ Design: This study was guided by descriptive research design. The population of this study consisted of 62 academic librarians in Higher Institution libraries in Gombe State. The study used census technique for the population of academic librarians in the university library as participants in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Results: the findings shows that despites that the use of social media have influenced contemporary societies in all sectors of life including the library. The library has important roles to play to combat the spread of online fake news and to provide awareness to the society on its implication. Conclusion: The paper concluded that the library has great roles to play in the provision of accurate, relevant and authentic information that would improve learning and research among its users who are mostly using social media for academic and social engagement. Recommendations: The paper advocated strong policy statement that would checkmate the spread of online fake news on social media.