Catalytic role of information literacy in educational change: a case study of University of Delhi

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and demonstrate the set of information literacy skills that makes a person a competent lifelong learner to find, evaluate, filter and use information in an effective manner.Design/methodology/approachPowerPoint presentations were used in a demonstration to explain how to use various types of e‐resources and databases, both subscribed and in the public domain. Practical orientation on basic and advanced searches, phrase searching, proximity searching, field searching, use of Boolean operators, controlled vocabulary, and limiting/refining/narrowing of search results was given. A demonstration was given to faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students of Delhi University. Participants' opinions were sought on eight statements (developed for this purpose) in a feedback form on a five‐point scale.FindingsBased on the feedback analysis, it was found that instruction material was useful (94.90 per cent), 88.47 per cent respondents are now better prepared to use e‐resources and WWW services, and 92.80 per cent of respondents expressed the opinion that the presentations would be more useful if they were made available on the library web site; 92.90 per cent of respondents agreed that the programs were suitable for their information needs. Regarding the post‐program awareness of e‐sources, 94.01 per cent of respondents agreed that they are now more aware. Over 90 per cent of participants were satisfied with the conduct of the IL program.Originality/valueAn information literacy (IL) skills demonstration package was prepared for regular use with faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students to make them competent to find, access and use information more efficiently. This would fulfil the aim of developing individuals' intellectual capabilities of independent and lifelong learning.