Information Literacy Skills Research Articles

Views of Students, Parents, and Teachers on Smartphones and Tablets in the Development of 21st-Century Skills as a Prerequisite for a Sustainable Future

It is no longer just an opinion but a fact that the only way to prevent a catastrophic future for humanity on a planetary scale is to introduce sustainable practices in all areas of human endeavour. The key role in these processes is activity to education. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of Slovenian secondary school students, parents, and teachers (SPTs) regarding the role of smartphones and tablets in promoting 21st-century skills. This study explores the views of Slovenian secondary school students, parents, and teachers (SPTs) on the value of smartphones and tablets in 21st-century skills education. The results show a consensus among participants that smartphones and tablets make a positive contribution to various aspects of 21st-century skills as a Prerequisite for Sustainable Future. Participants consistently rated the suggested benefits of smartphones and tablets above the middle of the scale, with a focus on internet, digital, and information literacy. However, there is still room for improvement in basic skills and higher-order thinking skills. The factorial analysis revealed three correlated factors: Holistic Learning skills, Higher-Level Cognitive skills, and Digital Information Literacy skills. Subsequent analysis revealed significant differences between the focus groups, with students showing stronger agreement with the positive impact of smartphones and tablets on a wide range of skills. While teachers recognized the value of smartphones and tablets for students’ digital literacy and engagement, the differences between teachers and other groups were relatively small. These findings underscore the importance of integrating smartphone strategies and technology tools to promote 21st-century skills as a Prerequisite for Sustainable Future. Educators and policymakers can use these findings to promote effective teaching and learning practices that meet the demands of the 21st century.

Program Wise Information Literacy Skills of Students

The current study furthers the understanding of the Information Literacy (IL) competency skill levels between the health science and non-health science students in the United Arab Emirates. IL-HUMASS survey on information literacy questionnaire was partially adopted (17 categories) for surveying the IL competency skill levels between the Health and Non-Health students at College A. The questionnaire comprised four information competency categories: “Information Searching, “Information Evaluation, Information Processing/Application, and Information Dissemination and Communication”. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the hypotheses. The research findings revealed that among all participants the levels of Motivational Engagement (ME) in the four competence areas were higher, than their levels of Self-Efficacy (SE).Further, interestingly, students enrolled in non-health programs displayed higher levels of both ME and SE in all four categories. Additionally, there were significant variations in IL Self-Efficacy levels between the two programs across the categories. Besides, the application of Pinto’s IL-HUMASS survey instrument to a new user population has provided valuable insights. These insights highlight the importance of considering motivation and self-efficacy levels when designing information literacy programs, especially for health science students. This study is possibly the first in the UAE conducted on a global sample comprising 22 nationalities.

Information Seeking Among Law Undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya: Identifying Barriers and Proposing Strategies

This study investigates the information barriers faced by final-year law students at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, aiming to assess both personal and external barriers and propose improvements to law-related resources and services. The study utilized the entire population of fourth-year law students, consisting of 50 students, and employed structured questionnaires, resulting in a 72% response rate. It identified personal barriers such as time constraints, limited familiarity with library resources, discomfort in using the OPAC and lack of information literacy skills. Additionally, there were external barriers such as the absence of current legal materials and digital resources in the library. The research underscores strategies to alleviate these barriers by providing more up-to-date legal materials, expanded electronic resources, increased computers and internet facilities, and information dissemination through mobile technologies, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for academic success. The study also suggests resource and service improvements as a response to the major personal barrier of time constraints faced by students.

Teaching information literacy in online psychology courses: Effects on student performance and self-reported confidence

Using the Framework for Information Literacy published by the Association of College & Research Libraries, we developed an online intervention to increase information literacy. Specifically, we hypothesized that undergraduate students in an information literacy intervention group would increase in information literacy performance and confidence compared to a control group which did not receive asynchronous online information literacy instruction. We used a non-equivalent groups pretest-posttest design and measured students’ ( N = 101) information literacy performance and self-reported confidence before and after asynchronous information literacy instruction. We compared the intervention with a non-intervention control condition using two existing undergraduate psychology courses offered online across two semesters. Partially confirming our hypotheses, we found that providing asynchronous information literacy instruction not only increased students’ information literacy performance but also helped students to evaluate their own information literacy skills more accurately. In contrast, our intervention did not selectively increase confidence in information literacy as both information literacy intervention and control groups similarly increased in information literacy confidence over time. Nevertheless, these findings show that we managed to develop an online, theory-based intervention to increase information literacy. This intervention has the potential to build the foundations for students to engage in scientific conversations by elevating their understanding of how scientific information is produced and how science affects their daily lives.

Information Literacy Skills among PG Students and Researchers in Accessing the Resources

Information Literacy is essential for each individual to obtain the required Information from the vast availability of resources. With Information Literacy, one can identify, evaluate, apply and acknowledge the source of Information. Information Literate evolution plays a important function in the growth of the Nation. Significant steps need to be taken to transform the young Indians into Information literate Indians. The lifelong learning process should be an essential component of the Higher education system. The present study attempted to understand the level of understanding of information sources available in the university, recognize their level of digital Literacy, and find out their diverse search strategies.

Impact of Information Literacy on Academic Performance among Undergraduate Students in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of information literacy on academic performance among undergraduate students in Nigeria.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: A study on the impact of information literacy on academic performance among undergraduate students in Nigeria found a significant positive correlation between information literacy skills and academic achievement. The research highlighted that students with higher levels of information literacy were more likely to demonstrate better performance in their coursework, exams, and overall academic outcomes.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social cognitive theory, information processing theory& constructivist learning theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of information literacy on academic performance among undergraduate students in Nigeria. Integrate information literacy instruction into the university curriculum across disciplines, ensuring that students acquire essential skills for locating, evaluating, and utilizing information effectively. Develop national guidelines for information literacy instruction within Nigerian higher education institutions, outlining standards and best practices for integrating information literacy into the curriculum.

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.

Online Skills in an Offline Environment: Creating Information Literacy Tutorials for the SolarSPELL Offline Digital Library

Digital and information literacy skills are necessary to succeed in today’s knowledge economy but for the millions of people in the world without internet access, a frustrating Catch-22 exists: How can they develop digital literacy skills without internet access? When they get access, what good is the internet to them if they don’t have the skills to use it productively? One answer is an offline digital library called SolarSPELL. This report from the field describes a series of instructional videos the author created to foster digital and information literacy skills among novice SolarSPELL users.

The status of digital and information literacies in South Africa from 2016 to 2022: a literature review

Purpose In today’s information and knowledge society, it is indispensable for citizens to acquire the requisite digital and information literacy (IL) skills to search information independently to meet their multiple and diverse information needs. As a result of digitalisation in the world, development and acquisition of digital and information skills is critical even for students and learners to retrieve digitised and online information to meet or achieve their curriculum-related accomplishments. The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of the digital and information literacies in South Africa from 2016 to 2022. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study used a scoping review approach to collect data from research articles, conference articles and textbooks on digital literacy and IL – published in the years ranging between 2016 and 2022 from Google Scholar. Findings The major findings revealed that majority of the citizens especially students and learners lack digital and IL skills to recognise when information is needed, to find, locate, evaluate and use the retrieved information to meet an information need in a particular situation or context. Practical implications of this study include the alignment of curricula towards information and communication technologies to face the everchanging digital information technologies. Originality/value The study used scoping literature review research where empirical studies were retrieved and selected to address the objectives. This study provided significant approaches regarding promoting information and digital literacies in developing countries such as South Africa.

Analysing challenges for Information and Research Literacy skills using an integrated approach of Delphi and Best-worst method

ABSTRACT The acquisition and mastery of Information and Research Literacy (IRL) skills are crucial for library and information professionals to proficiently navigate, assess, and utilise information resources.The acquisition of these competencies is frequently impeded by diverse factors within the Indian milieu. Thisstudy employs a combined methodology of Delphi and Best-Worst Method (BWM) to investigate and rank the challenges encountered by library and information experts in enhancing IRL proficiencies. The study’s methodology comprises a Delphi study conducted in two stages to finalise a comprehensive list of challenges. Additionally, a BWM analysis has been employed to rank the identified challenges. The findings indicate that the primary challenge is the arduousness of evaluating the calibre and reliability of sources of information, with supplementary hindrances including insufficient instruction, resources, and consciousness. The research findings propose a comprehensive framework to address the challenges and state the development of efficacious training programmes, provision of high-quality resources, and promotion of awareness regarding the significance of IRL skills.

Appreciations and practices of digital citizenship in the Andean community

Digital citizenship implies people's participation in managing their rights and civic engagements. However, definitions clash with reality due to institutional conditions, perceptions, and limited information literacy skills. In this context, it is of interest to determine the perceptions, forms of intervention and treatment of the concept of digital citizenship from the perspectives of citizens and the media in the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). The methodology is qualitative and quantitative with a descriptive scope. The research techniques used are a survey, semi-structured interviews and content analysis. 497 people from the Andean countries responded to an online questionnaire between 16 June and 23 July 2023. Participants were selected on the basis of non-probabilistic sampling. The semi-structured interviews were conducted between 15 and 30 May 2023 through Zoom; and the sample of newspaper articles corresponds to quotas. It is concluded that the media and social networks are effective tools for citizen participation, but it is suggested that the agendas to be revised to include the voices of the protagonists. There is a predominance of an instrumental conception, and social networks have been valued as means of communication. Andean inhabitants show resistance to the defense of rights or the management of social change, which could be fostered through a conscious and broad exercise of digital citizenship.

Information Literacy and Discourse Analysis for Verifying Information among EFL Learners

The task of verifying credible and original information is now more complicated, especially for undergraduate students. This study uses information literacy and discourse analysis to develop English as a foreign language learners’ critical reading skills while verifying information on social media. A reading test including false news was used to assess the learners’ awareness of the credibility of social media information. Then, they were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was trained in evaluating a set of false news using information literacy and discourse analysis skills. The control group did not receive any training. The experiment was conducted again on both groups. The results show a significant improvement among the experimental group compared to the control group. The findings of this study shed light on the growing need for creating a pedagogical space in English as a foreign language classroom that focuses on raising learners’ awareness of information literacy and discourse analysis skills to read with critical perspectives.

Necessary prerequisites for evidence-based practice: results of investigating nurses’ informatics competency and information literacy skills

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nursing informatics (NI) competency and information literacy skills for evidence-based practice (EBP) among intensive care nurses. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 184 nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). The study data were collected through demographic information, Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool (NICAT), and information literacy skills for EBP questionnaires. The intensive care nurses received competent and low-moderate levels for the total scores of NI competency and information literacy skills, respectively. They received a moderate score for the use of different information resources but a low score for information searching skills, different search features, and knowledge about search operators, and only 31.5% of the nurses selected the most appropriate statement. NI competency and related subscales had a significant direct bidirectional correlation with information literacy skills for EBP and its subscales (P < 0.05). Nurses require a high level of NI competency and information literacy for EBP to obtain up-to-date information and provide better care and decision-making. Health planners and policymakers should develop interventions to enhance NI competency and information literacy skills among nurses and motivate them to use EBP in clinical settings.

Faculty-Librarian Collaboration to Enhance Information Literacy Skills in an Online Nursing Course.

This article describes an exemplary collaboration in which a librarian was fully embedded in beginner undergraduate nursing courses in a baccalaureate nursing program. The goal was to increase academic help-seeking behaviors and information literacy skills. Students benefited from the intervention and increasingly demonstrated the use of better sources for their evidence-based practice assignments. Library tutorials were permanently integrated into the courses. A collaborative approach to designing research assignments allowed the librarian and nursing faculty to lay a foundation of information literacy in the nursing program and encourage academic help-seeking behaviors.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Internet Terhadap Keterampilan Literasi Informasi Masyarakat Di Kelurahan Balai-Balai Kota Padang Panjang

The purpose of this research is to describe (1) the diversity of people's internet use in the Balai-Balai Kota Padang Panjang subdistrict, (2) the information literacy skills of the community in the Balai-Balai Kota Padang Panjang subdistrict, (3) the influence of internet use on the information literacy skills of the community in Padang Panjang City Hall sub-district. This research uses quantitative research with descriptive methods. The population in this study was the community in the Balai-Balai City District of Padang Panjang with sampling using simple random sampling. The main instrument used was a research questionnaire which had been tested for validity and reliability, the sample size was 98 people. The population in the study was the community in the Balai-Balai City District of Padang Panjang. Data collection techniques are questionnaire techniques and questionnaire data processing through editing and tabulation stages. The results of the research are: (1) The community's internet use has an average answer score of 3.21. This score is on an interval scale of 2.50 – 3.24, which means that the internet use of the Padang Panjang City Hall community is classified as good. This can be seen from the intensity, usefulness and effectiveness of internet use carried out well. (2) Public information literacy has an average answer score of 3.11. This score is on an interval scale of 2.50 – 3.24, which means that the information literacy of the Padang Panjang City Hall community is classified as good. This can be seen from information literacy skills in determining information needs, finding information, evaluating information and using information for certain purposes by understanding aspects that are considered good. (3) The influence of internet use on the information literacy skills of people in the Balai-Balai City District of Padang Panjang is strong. From the results of the SPSS regression test, a correlation coefficient value of R = 0.787 was obtained, meaning that internet users have a positive influence on information literacy skills. The higher the use of the internet, the higher the information literacy skills in the Balai-Balai City District of Padang Panjang.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE 21ST CENTURY INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS SCALE, VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY

In this study, it was aimed to develop a valid and reliable scale to determine the opinions of high school students about 21st-century information literacy skills. During the scale development phase, an item pool of 34 items that provided content validity was created, the number of items was reduced to 32 items in total after expert opinion, and a total of 794 people were administered the scale for the first application of the scale development phase. The data obtained as a result of the first application were subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability studies. As a result of the analysis, a two-factor scale (“Using Information and Legal Elements”, “Accessing Information and Sharing Information”) consisting of a total of 12 items with validity and reliability was obtained. In order to test the suitability of the factor structure of the scale, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed by applying the scale to a total of 418 people. As a result of the analysis, the factor structure (fit index values) of the scale was found within the desired reference ranges. In line with the sub-objectives of the study, there was no significant difference according to the variables of the gender of the students, the gender of the teachers, and the years of seniority of the teachers. It was observed that there was a significant difference between students and teachers in favor of teachers among all dimensions. As a result of all the analysis of the scale, a scale consisting of a total of 12 items, which can be applied to high school students with proven validity and reliability, was developed.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0768/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

KEMAMPUAN LITERASI INFORMASI MAHASISWA JURUSAN FISIKA UIN MALANG DALAM MENGERJAKAN TUGAS MAKALAH MATKUL ELEKTRONIKA

This study aims to analyze using the seven pillars theory in interviews with students while working on class assignments. The seven pillars theory is a framework used to develop information literacy skills. Qualitative research methods use in-depth interviews as a data collection instrument. Interviews were conducted to understand how students use the Seven Pillars theory steps in collecting, evaluating, and using information when doing their coursework. The study results show that students tend to understand the Seven pillars theory steps well. They recognize the importance of identifying information needs, finding relevant sources, and selecting the most essential information for their task. However, most students face difficulties evaluating the reliability and sustainability of the information they find. In terms of information, students tend to use the information they see in their assignments. However, there were some challenges, such as difficulties in synthesizing and integrating disparate information into their task framework. This study's findings indicate that using the Seven Pillars theory in interviewing students while doing coursework can help them develop better information literacy skills. This study recommends improving teaching and learning approaches in tertiary institutions by emphasizing the use of the Seven Pillars theory in developing students' information literacy skills.

Hubungan literasi informasi dengan self-directed learning mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Komunikasi

The creation of a thesis, which is the outcome of student research, is one of the requirements for graduation in higher education. In the thesis completion process, students are required to have adequate information literacy and self-directed learning skills. Students of Fikom Unpad, class of 2016, were introduced to the concept of information literacy during the new student orientation and in the TPB (Preparation Stage for Learning) program in the KBLI (Information Literacy Learning Activities) course. This research aims to identify the relationship between information literacy and self-directed learning among Fikom Unpad students of the 2016 class in the thesis preparation process. The research method used is quantitative, utilizing Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment analysis. The theoretical foundation refers to the ACRL (Association of College, Research, and Library) standards of 2000, covering aspects of information needs, information search strategies, information evaluation, information usage, and ethics and law in information use. This study involved 209 students of Fikom Unpad, class of 2016, with a sample size of 136 individuals. The results show a significant relationship between information literacy (X) and self-directed learning (Y), with a high correlation between sub-variable X (information needs, information search strategies, and information usage) and variable Y. Meanwhile, other sub-variables of X (information evaluation, ethics, and the law of information use) have a moderate relationship with variable Y. It was found that students' motivation and self-directed learning ability can increase with improved information literacy skills, considering the interrelation between the indicators of information literacy and self-directed learning. The higher the level of students' information literacy, the better their self-directed learning abilities.

Pro-environmental behavior: the relationship with information literacy self-efficacy, climate knowledge and climate anxiety among students in Ghana

Abstract As environmental concerns escalate globally, understanding pro-environmental behavior is important. Using a cross-sectional survey of 265 university students from Accra, Ghana, the study hypothesized that pro-environmental behavior is related to climate change knowledge, information literacy self-efficacy and climate change anxiety. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and simple linear regression were used to test the hypothesis. Findings suggest that climate change knowledge was positively related to information literacy self-efficacy and climate change anxiety. Climate change knowledge and information literacy self-efficacy also positively predicted pro-environmental behavior. Findings imply that students should be trained to improve their climate change knowledge and acquire information literacy skills. Training these skills can contribute to the development of responsible environmental behavior in society.

EVALUATION OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY SERVICES AND PROGRAMS IN GHANA: INSIGHT FROM THE SD DOMBO UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AND INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

This study evaluated the academic library services and programs at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) in Ghana using an exploratory case study design and qualitative research methods. The findings indicated overall satisfaction among participants with the library services and programs at UBIDS, with students valuing the diverse range of resources and faculty members recognizing the library's role in supporting their teaching and research activities. The study emphasized the importance of information literacy skills, technology integration, collaborative partnerships, and user support services. Recommendations were made to strengthen information literacy initiatives, invest in technological infrastructure, foster collaborations, expand outreach efforts, enhance collection development strategies, improve user support services, and conduct regular evaluations. The study provides valuable insights to enhance academic library services and support academic excellence at UBIDS and similar institutions.
 Keywords: Evaluation, Academic Library, Services, Programs, Ghana, Insight.