International Journal of Academic Research in Education and Review

Vol. 14(2), pp. 84-94, April 2026

ISSN: 2360-7866

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijarer2026310

 

Full Length Research

 

 

The Role of Library Staff in Combating Fake News through Information Literacy in the Digital Age: A Study of Selected Polytechnic Libraries in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

 

Aminu U. Momoh

 

Department of library and information science, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi Nigeria.

Corresponding author’s E-mail: benneymoh@yahoo.com  

Accepted 22 April 2026

Abstract

Abstract: The present study explored the role of library personnel in addressing the proliferation of fake news through the enhancement of information literacy within the context of the digital era, focusing specifically on selected polytechnic libraries in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region. The investigation was guided by three research questions and employed a descriptive research design. The study population consisted of 110 library staff members, all of whom were included in the study through a total enumeration sampling technique. Data collection was facilitated via a structured questionnaire titled “The Role of Library Staff in Combating Fake News through Information Literacy in the Digital Age: A Study of Selected Polytechnic Libraries in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria Questionnaire (RLSCFNILDAQ).” Analytical procedures involved descriptive statistics including frequency counts, means, and standard deviations. The findings suggest that the dissemination of false information in this academic context is predominantly driven by attention-capturing headlines, substantial trust in social media, and a pervasive inclination to share content rapidly, often irrespective of its veracity. The study further identified that misinformation exacerbates political tensions, ethnic and religious conflicts, character assassination, tribal loyalties, and corporate manipulation by reinforcing social challenges such as hate speech. The study recommended substantial investments from both governmental and private sectors in library infrastructure, with an emphasis on digital resources and internet connectivity, as a strategic approach to effectively counteract misinformation and fake news.

 

Key Words: Library Staff, Fake News, Information Literacy, Digital Age, Polytechnic Libraries.

Paper type: research