Analyzing Public Libraries as Civic Agents in Advocating for COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake

Abstract

ABSTRACT To examine how public libraries combated COVID-19 misinformation and promoted vaccination in their communities, this study analyzed data from 80 libraries’ webpages, Facebook postings, shared health information resources to examine the correlation between community factors, information types, and vaccination rates. Results showed city size and number of MLS librarians significantly affected information shared. Six information types contributed to higher vaccination rates: vaccination event information, local organization partnerships, vaccine information, library events, vaccine accessibility discussions, and free clinic time frames. Public libraries can thus serve as essential civic agents for promoting evidence-based health information and increasing vaccination rates.