The Role of Information Professionals in South Africa in the Provision of Information During COVID-19

Abstract

The study sought to assess the role of information professionals in the provision information about the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa with the views of recommending best practices of disseminating public information. The qualitative approach was utilized to collect data from information officers. The researcher found that the majority of the public were not utilizing the information centre because of lack of awareness of information resource centre preserved by an information resource centre. The review found that information resources were not providing access to information centre effectively due to staff who lack appropriate skills and knowledge on public health awareness. It also appears that inadequate budget allocation to conduct public health awareness was lacking. Public awareness should be conducted in the Mpumalanga Provincial government. The research findings shed new lights on the perspective that information professional plays an essential role in promoting public health awareness.