This special issue of Open Information Science (OIS) invites abstracts and papers that contribute knowledge to develop the idea of “Navigating information through the uncertain times of COVID-19” and its impacts on people, healthcare, data sharing, and technologies.

Argument

This year the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic not only drastically changes one’s daily life but also puts a spin on information. The world is suddenly inundated with misinformation and fake news about the disease’s transmission, cure, and care as all the governments try to curb the outbreak. Much of such misinformation and fake news is health-related and can be quickly shared on social media, which has inadvertently caused anxieties and chaos. Against all the odds, there is an urgent need of finding trusted, science-based, and quality information on governments, scientists, health professionals, and individuals.  Contributors are encouraged to share original research, best practice, and reflection on the pandemic and the value of information. The intent of this special issue is to search answers to the following questions but not limited to:

• How do we ascertain facts from misinformation and fake news?
• How can we provide trusted information to those who need?
• What information is worthy sharing? What causes misinformation?
• What are successful strategies against misinformation?
• What are platforms for sharing misinformation/useful information?

We accept research papers, review articles (longer essays summarizing the current state of knowledge), and communications- short form.

Submission information

• Deadline for abstracts (each with a word count no more than 500) is September 30th, 2020.

• Decision of notification for papers is October 15th, 2020.
• Closing date for submissions of new papers is February 26th, 2021

Guest editor

• Xinyu Cindy Yu, School of Library and Information Science, University of Southern MississippiXinyu.yu@usm.edu