Assessing information, media and data literacy in academic libraries: Approaches and challenges in the research literature on the topic

Abstract

A review of the research literature on the assessment of information, media, and data literacy in academic libraries has been carried out with the intention of learning about the main approaches taken; the assessment tools, criteria, and indicators used; and the main challenges for the future. To this end, 60 relevant records were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus after being filtered according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) model. A content analysis of the articles was then carried out using a detailed form based on the objectives, methodology, results, conclusions, and recommendations model in relation to the current aims. Literacy assessment has been conducted primarily in information literacy. Research in anglophone countries and Spain stands out. Much of it relates to academic libraries as a whole, although there are also numerous studies focused on a field of use, primarily health, STEM, and social sciences. Among the most commonly used methods of analysis, case studies stand out, followed by descriptive, exploratory, experimental, and comparative studies; literature reviews; and content analysis. The results are positive, and assessment helps improve programs and demonstrate libraries' impact on student learning. Despite its importance, media literacy assessment is still an emerging field, and data literacy assessment is still largely a work in progress. Academic libraries need to integrate new types of literacy and emerging challenges such as open data, open science, and generative artificial intelligence into the comprehensive framework of information literacy and conduct a systematic assessment of their training programs and activities.