An Inquiry into Information Literacy (IL) Skills among Public University Students: A Developing Country Perspective

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the Information Literacy (IL) skills among the students of Business faculty students at University of Dhaka (DU). The more specific objectives of the study are to identify the strength and weakness of its IL programs and to provide some suitable recommendations to enhance the business faculty student’s IL skills. The study employed descriptive research, applying a questionnaire-based survey. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed randomly, of which 253 were returned and used for the analysis. The results of the study reveal that there are considerable differences in IL skills among the faculty students. Most students are not able to answer relevant questions correctly. There were great differences in IL skills among students. It was found that a majority of students lacked skills in catalogue searching and information use, selection of e-resources, formulation of search and information seeking strategies, and even about proper procedures of borrowing books from the library. However, most respondents agreed that IL is essential in their academic work and research.