Development Of Information Literacy Skills Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in Chemical Information Seeking: Narrative Educational Insights via a SWOT Analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are next-word predictors built on large language models (LLMs). There is great interest within the educational field for this new technology because AI chatbots can be used to generate information. In this theoretical article, we provide educational insights into the possibilities and challenges of using AI chatbots. These insights were produced by designing chemical information-seeking activities for chemistry teacher education which were analyzed via the SWOT approach. The analysis revealed several internal and external possibilities and challenges. The key insight is that AI chatbots will change the way learners interact with information. For example, they enable the building of personal learning environments with ubiquitous access to information and AI tutors. Their ability to support chemistry learning is impressive. However, the processing of chemical information reveals the limitations of current AI chatbots not being able to process multimodal chemical information. There are also ethical issues to address. Despite the benefits, wider educational adoption will take time. The diffusion can be supported by integrating LLMs into curricula, relying on open-source solutions, and training teachers with modern information literacy skills. This research presents theory-grounded examples of how to support the development of modern information literacy skills in the context of chemistry teacher education.

The Use of Digital Technologies in Professional Training of Primary School Teachers

The growing significance of digital technologies in society creates a need to train teachers who can use these technologies in the educational process and prepare students for life in the digital world. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of digital technologies used in professional training of primary school teachers on increasing their professional competence level. The adapted versions of Ferrell & Daniel’s test for Measuring Teacher Career Motivations, the Orshanski’s orientation of future teachers towards humanistic and professional value were used to diagnose the state of development of professional competence. The level of the development of the subject-subjective model of pedagogical communication (modified test based on Sternberg & Williams, Alexander & Winne) and the level of projective skills in primary school teachers were also diagnosed. The students’ performance was assessed based on the results of the examinations. Chi-squared test (χ2) was used for statistical confirmation of the conducted research. Positive dynamics were found in both groups after the formative stage of the experiment. However, the experimental group was noted for greater quantitative and qualitative improvement for the selected criteria. The largest changes were observed for the operational criterion with a difference of 15.40% (against 7.90% in the control group). The cognitive criterion showed the smallest increase: 8.5% in the experimental group compared to 3.4% in the control group. The high general mean showed a difference of 11.22% for the experimental group and 5.1% for the control group. It is also important to note a greater increase in the average indicator at the general level in the experimental group of 52.04% compared to 40.82% in the control group. The differences in the distributions of the control and experimental groups according to the levels of each criterion are statistically reliable and testify to the effectiveness of using digital technologies for the development of professional competence of future primary school teachers. The areas for further research include the analysis of the impact of digital technologies on the development of information literacy skills and critical thinking.

The timeless relevance of libraries in the age of artificial intelligence: A review

Libraries have a history dating back centuries, serving as guardians of knowledge and fostering intellectual growth. Libraries have long been a cornerstone of human civilization, serving as repositories of knowledge, cultural hubs, and learning centers. However, in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), some have questioned the relevance of libraries. This article explores the timeless relevance of libraries in an era marked by rapid technological advancements. The article uses a qualitative method and draws on a review of academic articles, studies, and case studies about libraries, artificial intelligence (AI), and digitalization. The analysis focuses on the historical importance of libraries, the challenges they confront in the age of AI, and prospective approaches to incorporating AI into library services. Libraries play a vital role in fostering these skills, offering a range of resources and educational programs to help individuals navigate the digital landscape effectively. Librarians, with their expertise, guide users in assessing the credibility of online sources, understanding data privacy, and developing information literacy skills. By promoting digital literacy, libraries empower individuals to make informed decisions in the age of AI, mitigating the risks associated with misinformation and algorithmic biases. Libraries remain relevant and essential in our society. Beyond their role as knowledge repositories, libraries promote critical thinking, digital literacy, community engagement, and equitable access to information. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, libraries continue to serve as intellectual and social sanctuaries, fostering human connections and preserving the values that make us uniquely human.

Formation of digital competences of older teenagers in the process of sports and recreational activities

The educational process, among other important tasks, should be directed to the formation of digital competences of children and school youth, including in the process of sports and health activities, since information technologies open up wide opportunities for the introduction of new modern forms and methods in working with children and school youth.
 The formation of digital competences of older teenagers in the process of sports and health activities is an integral part of the process of forming a mature personality, prepared for life, ready for self-analysis and self-realization, able to resist the unwanted effects of information flow and manipulation.
 A methodological toolkit aimed at forming the digital competences of older teenagers in the process of sports and recreational activities can be: cloud services in education, Web 2.0 services, creation of presentations; conducting video lessons, online training; development of online travel; involvement of older teenagers in research and information projects aimed at popularizing a healthy lifestyle, expanding knowledge about physical culture and sports, hygiene, etc.; use of interactive tasks; conducting fitness battles and other activities.
 The advantages of forming digital competences in the process of sports and health activities for older teenagers are: formation of critical and analytical thinking skills; popularization of a healthy lifestyle through the use of digital technologies; development of information literacy and data processing skills; development of search activity; development of cooperation and interaction skills; the opportunity to be involved in sports and health activities (increase one's own physical health indicators) in the online mode.

Integrated Instruction to Develop Information Literacy Skills of Undergraduate Students

This study designed a technologically integrated course to develop the information literacy skills of 100 first-year students from the Faculty of Arts, Silpakorn University, Thailand. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model was integrated into an information literacy skills instructional design. A pre-and post-test design was adopted to measure the students’ information literacy skills. During the sessions, interactive open sources were employed as the technology-integrated instruction for the online classroom learning activities. After the course completion, participants retook the test, from which it was found that the post-test information literacy scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores for all information literacy components. However, the low-performing students’ pre-and post-test scores for information evaluation showed no statistically significant differences. Therefore, developing the information evaluation skills of this group should be considered. This study’s findings could be beneficial for instructors and learning designers seeking to design courses that develop the information literacy skills of undergraduate students.

Augmented reality applications and the future library

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how augmented reality (AR) technology is adopted in the library to transform it into an immersive and interactive platform and highlights the future possibilities of the application of AR in libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines the current applications of AR in the library by consulting related literature and analyzing different library websites covering diverse geographical areas.FindingsThe paper with examples summarizes the current library practices of using AR technology and focuses on the AR-supported major library initiatives – right from document tracking, inventory management, wayfinding, supporting innovation and research, developing information literacy skills, etc.Originality/valueThe paper explores the possibility of improving user experience in the library by introducing AR applications and engaging users in an interactive and captivating environment.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their Impact on Academic Library Services: A Study of Some Selected Private University Libraries in Bangladesh

Purpose: The objective of this study is to find out the impact of massive open online courses (MOOCs) on academic library services by identifying the opportunities of adopting MOOCs as a library service. It also proposes a model how to employ MOOCs as a library service. Methodology: This study follows a questionnaire method to collect data from the private university librarians in Bangladesh. Out of the 108 private universities in Bangladesh, 75 universities were selected as respondents for the questionnaire survey. In total, 38 university librarians have responded to the survey. The response rate was 50.66%. Descriptive analysis was carried out to analyse the collected data. Findings: The findings of this study have revealed the current status of MOOCs as a library service. The majority of the librarians are aware of MOOCs, but they do not have connection with any specific MOOC platforms. The study also identified many opportunities for MOOCs in academic libraries, such as clearing copyright content and licensing, preservation of MOOC contents for users, and assisting with fair use of reading materials. Additionally, MOOCs offer opportunities for developing information literacy skills, fostering collaboration among academic institutions in building courses, providing motivational or library-related courses to users and library professionals, etc. Originality/Value: This is the first attempt to explore the status of MOOCs as a library service in the context of private university libraries in Bangladesh.

Librarians' Role in Building Information Literacy Skills of Health Professionals for Evidence-Based Practice

The paper looks at evidence-based practice (EBP) and the role of librarians in training health professionals on information literacy skills to fully utilize Evidence-Based information resources to improve health practices and patient care management systems. The paper spelled out the various roles librarians played in inculcating knowledge of Evidence-Based information resources into health professionals. It concluded with the suggestion that librarians be included in the process of the development of information literacy skills of health professionals for the optimization of information resources toward the sustenance of resilience EBP. Keywords: Evidence-based practice, Information literacy skills, Health practitioners, Librarians.

Information literacy at journalists’ workplace in Pakistan

This research investigated the development of information literacy skills and their self-perceived assessment among journalists in Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted in four Provinces and the Federal Capital of Pakistan with the consent of relevant authorities for data collection. A total of 1089 responses were received. The data were analyzed in SPSS by applying descriptive as well as inferential statistics. A large majority of the surveyed respondents received information literacy instruction of short duration during their careers while being mainly in practice. The most covered topics included research literacy, communication skills, information discovery, critical literacy, tools literacy, and information handling. These participants perceived information literacy as invaluable in their practical work context. The survey participants perceived themselves as information literate not only for basic levels of information literacy but also for advanced levels. In addition, journalists’ gender, age, academic qualification, job experience, information literacy instructions received, nature of work, and region predicted their levels of information literacy. The results generated pragmatic insight for educators and information professionals in designing a need-based information literacy instruction program for existing as well as prospective journalists. This research would make a worthy contribution to the existing information literacy research in the context of the workplace as no such comprehensive study on journalists’ workplace had appeared so far.

De-colonizing one-shots: Critical pedagogies and the ACRL Framework

Librarians with instructional duties, particularly information literacy instructors or subject specialists, often rely on the “one-shot” format of instruction as a primary method for information literacy skills training and development. While not the only method of instruction, one-shots remain a foundational tool in information literacy instruction, although instructors are exploring other instructional formats. As a result, one-shots are regularly critiqued by librarians, who cite difficulties with the transactional nature and questionable effectiveness of the format. Many librarians cite concerns with the one-shot format based on time constraints, institutional culture, and discipline faculty discomfort with library instruction that is not directly and perceptibly tied to their own assignment requirements. More recently, conversations have highlighted the problematic nature of one-shots by uncovering the link between library instruction and faux neutrality, feminized labor, and campus power dynamics.

Literasi informasi remaja pengguna perpustakaan di era pandemi Covid-19

Information literacy is one of the essential skills that society must possess, especially teenagers as students who need information for learning and as part of society who need information in general. It is expected that teenagers can choose and select the information they need from these diverse needs. The Covid-19 pandemic, which has hampered several activities, has limited the youth in developing information literacy skills, both through the library as a service provider of the development of information literacy and digitally, which still needs to be fully understood by them. This study aimed to find out information literacy of young library users during the Covid-19 pandemic era, starting from what programs were appropriate and could be given to students, especially those produced by libraries, and to find out the impact they had on teenagers. This study used a literature review with a type of narrative literature review. The program that the library could provide to students under normal circumstances or during the current pandemic was a literacy movement that would make them accustomed to interacting with various kinds of information, one of which was related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact of the literacy movement program in the library is that young library users can have information literacy skills, making them more information literate both for general knowledge and for learning as students.

Undergraduate students' perception of the level of development of information literacy skills

Digital natives are often perceived as experts in managing digital technology, but recent studies show that they do not have a very high level of developing information literacy skills. This research aimed to investigate the relationships between students' level of development of information literacy skills and the teacher's level of expression of pedagogical skills. A correlational research design was used. The research method was questionnaire survey. The results show that there are links between how students perceive pedagogical competences in action and the level of assimilation of information and information literacy skills.

Research issues of the top 100 cited articles on information literacy in higher education published from 2011 to 2020: A systematic review and co-citation network analysis

Information literacy is a core research topic in the field of library and information science. The developmental context of this field can be examined through a long-term retrospective analysis of relevant literature. This study explored the research trends and potential research issues in the top 100 most frequently cited articles on information literacy in higher education published from 2011 to 2020. In addition to a systematic review, this study employed bibliometric methods, including co-citation network analysis, to identify four main research streams in the field of information literacy in higher education: (a) the relationships among students’ information literacy beliefs, competencies, attitudes and behaviour; (b) teachers’, librarians’ and students’ perspectives on information literacy; (c) the relationship between students’ information literacy and epistemic beliefs; and (d) the web search behaviour of digital natives. Accordingly, potential directions for future research and practitioner notes related to information literacy in higher education are proposed herein as a reference for researchers, teachers and policymakers. Implications for practice or policy: For administrators of higher educational institutions, understanding the challenges of new digital technologies and providing training to develop information literacy skills are crucial. For teachers, designing teaching materials and pedagogy based on the latest information literacy standards and framework is useful. Collaboration with professionals from different disciplines is also useful for teachers to integrate information literacy into subject learning activities to cultivate the information literacy competencies of students.

"The Da Vinci Code for IP Research": Case Study of a Course-Integrated Educational Escape Room for Entrepreneurship Education

Educational escape rooms can engage students in the development of information literacy skills while interacting with information formats and environments authentic to their disciplines. In business and entrepreneurship education, escape rooms offer the additional benefit of developing the characteristics of the entrepreneurial mindset, such as adaptive thinking, problem solving, enthusiasm, and decisiveness. This case study explores game-based learning for library instruction in entrepreneurship education. Using Eukel and Morrell’s (2021) escape room design cycle as a framework, it analyzes the development, testing, implementation, and results of an original escape room, Exfiltration! A Competitive Intelligence Virtual Escape Room, implemented as a course-integrated information literacy learning activity in an upper-level undergraduate new venture creation course. Limitations of the escape room are identified, and opportunities for iterative improvement are described. Recent scholarship on the application of entrepreneurial mindset, business research competencies, gamification, escape room pedagogy, and escape rooms in library instruction is discussed. This case study responds to the call from Taraldsen et al. (2020) for more small-scale studies of educational escape rooms outside of the STEM and health science disciplines.

A Text Analysis of Four Levels of Librarian Involvement and Impact on Students in an Inquiry-Based Learning Course

Librarians at the University of Calgary collaborated with instructors on an inquiry-based learning course with varying involvement across four course sections. This study uses text analysis of student assignments to assess information literacy (IL) skill development across four levels of course participation: librarian as instructor-of-record, two levels of embeddedness, and a single ‘one-shot’ session. The methodology included the tracking of keywords generated using the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy and text analysis of student reflection assignments in an inquiry-based, research-focused first-year undergraduate course. The results suggest that the benefit to student IL skills is not related to amount of librarian instruction, but rather to the level of instructor buy-in with regard to library services and the importance of IL skills. We argue that the most impactful librarian involvement is as an IL course consultant rather than a full-time embedded librarian (which is surprising given the literature on the efficacy of embeddedness). Although further research is needed, the study results have significant implications for academic librarian instructional practices and collaborations on course content with faculty members.

Research of information culture of Kazakhstan secondary school students (on the example of Karaganda, Temirtau and Saran)

This article discusses the results of the study on the information culture of Kazakhstan secondary school students. This study aims to assess the level of information culture of modern Kazakh youth, identify potential risks and threats, develop effective strategies and recommendations for the development of information literacy skills. The data of respondents of the categories “Students of secondary schools” (500 people), “Teachers of secondary schools” (500 people) and “Parents of students of secondary schools” (500 people) are analyzed. Based on the percentage distributions obtained by these categories of respondents, the analytical grouping of the obtained data was carried out under the hypotheses of the study and the analysis of the responses was carried out under the research program. The analysis of the systematized information made it possible to identify the positive and negative sides of the information culture of the main categories of respondents. In particular, the interviewed students have basic skills of working on the Internet, which is the most popular source of information for them. Most schoolchildren are confident in their information retrieval skills and do not demonstrate computer gaming addiction. Most teachers rate the student’s digital literacy, media literacy and information literacy skills highly. However, more than a third of the surveyed students spend over 6 hours a day on the Internet. Teenagers consider the network as an opportunity to communicate, have fun, relax and, to a lesser extent, study, but do not perceive it as a means to create financial, social capital, solidarity, and selfexpression.

Integrating information practices into everyday teaching

This paper reports on the information practices and information literacy (IL) skills of South Korean elementary school students from the perspectives of working teachers. Key to this investigation was the notion of information practice, and how this is shaped by the practice architecture found in an educational setting. A sequential mixed design was undertaken to investigate these ideas which consisted of exploratory interviews with 4 elementary school teachers and was followed by a questionnaire which analysed the responses of 314 elementary school teachers. Findings indicate that in this setting, teachers, students and pre-set curricular content serve as the most frequently used information sources for students during their everyday classes. We pay specific attention to the ongoing centrality of the textbook, in its traditional paper format, to the ways in which teachers design learning activities, and suggest that this limits the diversity of informational approaches to which young South Korean learners are exposed. While these learners are engaged, they are limited in terms of informational genre since teachers and textbooks were found to be dominant information proxies. Activities in which students engage in active seeking or scanning are rarer. Contexts with such a configuration may be hindering the development of critical information literacy skills that are vital in dealing with the abundance of information faced by individuals today.

Local English teachers’ voices from a marginalized lens: Inequality practices and identity construction in the workplace

This article reports on a narrative case study that showcases the local English teachers’ perceived inequality practices and identity construction in Indonesia’s micro-reality context of a private language school domain. Grounded in the social theory of power, privilege, and positional identities, three synchronous online interviews were conducted to explore the LETs voices about what it means to experience the equality of rights and obligations in the workplace. As a result, the study revealed four inequality issues: (1) dissatisfaction with the payroll system, (2) the representation of gender and race in promotional endorsement, (3) the call for decolonizing pedagogy in ELT materials and resources, and (4) perceived identity as legitimate and qualified English teachers. Regarding the workload capacity and role as professional English teachers, they recognized that they deserve equal treatment as their native counterparts. However, this type of discrimination will further widen the gap between LETs and NESTs dichotomy and impede the construction of language teacher identity. This study suggests exploring dedicated strategies to develop information literacy skills for school principals, parents, teachers, students, and policymakers. This study will also contribute to the growth of critically oriented literature and scholarship on teacher identity and critical anti-racist language teaching pedagogy.

Information Literacy Behavior and Practice: An Assessment of Undergraduate Students at Ada College of Education, Ghana

Information literacy instruction and comprehension is often considered a priority in higher education institutions globally, especially in recognition for the role it plays in developing student skills in finding information effectively, critically evaluating information and creatively applying it as part of knowledge construction. Libraries and library departments are often at the forefront of facilitating access to information to support study and research. They are also often tasked with providing opportunities for the development of skills to support the effective, efficient, and ethical use and application of information. This research used survey methodology to assess information literacy understanding amongst undergraduate students of Ada College of Education, Ghana, as well as approaches to accessing information within this Ghanaian Higher Education College, specializing in education training. The results from this survey present an overview of the College’s current approach to information literacy instruction, resource accessibility, as well as students’ information literacy comprehension and application. A series of recommendations are presented for the College to consider in improving its approach to supporting information literacy skills development.

Is information literacy ability, and metacognition of that ability, related to interest, gender, or education level? A cross-sectional study of higher education students

How information literate are students in higher education, and how accurate is their metacognition related to that ability? Are students’ perceived needs to learn more and their level of interest in becoming information literate related to their pursuit of information literacy (IL) skill development? First-year undergraduates, master’s, and PhD students ( N = 760) took an objective IL test and estimated their scores both before and after the test. IL ability, as well as students’ estimation of their IL ability, increased with higher education experience and IL test experience, though also varied notably within groups. Low-performers tended to overestimate their abilities, while high-performers tended to underestimate them—both evidence of the Dunning-Kruger effect. Furthermore, gender comparisons revealed that men tended to estimate higher, and more accurate, scores than women. Finally, PhD students reported greater interest in becoming information literate than undergraduates. Although undergraduates felt a greater need to learn more, PhD students were more inclined to pursue IL growth. For both groups, interest in becoming information literate correlated far more with their likelihood to invest effort into developing IL competencies than their perceived need to know more. What implications might these findings have for how we conceptualize the teaching of IL?