Level Of Information Literacy Skills Research Articles

Ocena kompetencji informacyjnych uczniów liceum – przykład toruński

Information literacy lies at the heart of lifelong learning and is a prerequisite for effective participation in an information society. This article discusses the level of information literacy skills observed among Polish secondary school students, based on the example of two secondary schools in Toruń, with the information literacy of the study population identified and characterised using the SCONUL Seven Pillars of Information Literacy model, and also compared with the students’ self-assessment of their information skills and knowledge. The majority of students were classified as competent, having mastered information skills to a satisfactory degree in most of the pillars analysed, although competency areas in need of educational efforts were also identified.

The Development of RBL-STEM Learning Materials to Improve Students' Information Literacy in Solving Rainbow Antimagic Coloring Problem for ETLE Technology

Students often struggle to solve complex mathematical problems in real-world contexts due to low information literacy skills. To improve information literacy skills, an effective learning approach can be RBL-STEM, which provides research-based learning and can be practically applied in the real world. This study aims to investigate RBL-STEM activities, describe the process and results of developing RBL-STEM materials, and analyze data from the results of developing these materials to improve students’ information literacy skills. The method of research used is research and development (R&D). The purpose of this research is to develop RBL-STEM materials and produce learning material products in the form of semester learning plans, student assignment designs, student worksheets, and learning outcomes tests. The results of the materials development showed validity with a validity criterion of 92.75%. The trial was conducted with 40 students, and the implementation using the RBL-STEM materials was found to be practical with a practical criterion of 98.75% and effective with an effectiveness criterion of 94%. In addition, the students were highly engaged and responded very positively to the learning experience. Pretest and posttest analysis showed an increase in students’ information literacy in solving the rainbow antimagic coloring problem. The study also identified three levels of information literacy skills: high, medium, and low. Statistical analysis, phase portrait, NVivo, and word cloud confirmed the research findings and showed an increase in students’ information literacy skills. Thus, RBL-STEM has the potential to improve students’ information literacy in real-world contexts, such as the application of ETLE using graph neural network techniques.

Effect of information literacy on lifelong learning, creativity, and work performance among journalists

PurposeThis research examined the effects of information literacy on lifelong learning, creativity, and work performance among journalists in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachSurvey research design was applied to conduct this research. The participants were recruited through a stratified convenient sampling process from the press clubs of four provinces (e.g. Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Baluchistan) and the federal capital Islamabad with the consent of relevant authorities for data collection. An online questionnaire was distributed among these journalists and a total of 1,089 responses were received. The data were analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS.FindingsThe results revealed that these journalists perceived themselves as information literate. The information literacy (IL) skills of journalists appeared to have a direct and positive effect on their lifelong learning, creativity, and work performance. In other words, the lifelong learning, creativity, and work performance of journalists increase as their levels of IL skills increase.Practical implicationsThese results generated useful insights for academicians and organizations about the importance of IL in the workplace and its influence on organizational effectiveness and performance in gaining a sustainable competitive advantage. This knowledge might be crucial for media employers to initiate training programs for journalists to impart IL education.Originality/valueThis research would be a worthwhile contribution to the existing research on workplace IL, particularly in the context of journalists' workplace as no such comprehensive study using these variables appeared so far.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-06-2022-0345.

Information Literacy Ability of Library Students of UIN Sumatra Utara in Thesis Preparation Using The Empowering Eight Model

This study discusses the information literacy skills of Library Science students at UIN Sumatera Utara in preparing their thesis using the empowering eight models. This study aims to determine the level of information literacy skills of Library Science students in the preparation of their thesis. This type of research is a quantitative study with a descriptive approach. The population in the study were all library science students at UIN Sumatra Utara 2016, a total of 58 people. While the sample in this study was determined based on several criteria (using purposive sampling) to be respondents in this study. The data was collected using a questionnaire that was distributed via a link from the Google form. The data analysis technique used is descriptive analysis, the mean and grand mean. The results showed that the level of information literacy skills of Library Science students at UIN Sumatera Utara in preparing their thesis using the empowering model was high with an average score of 4.29 and was in the interval of 4.24 - 5.00.

Information Literacy Skills among Library and Information Science Professionals: a forecaster of Research Support Services

PurposeThe present research aims to gauge the Information Literacy Skills (ILSs) of the University Library and Information Science Professionals (LISPs) of Pakistan and consider it as a forecaster of improved Research Support Services (RSSs).Design/methodology/approachThe purposive sampling method through a questionnaire was applied and administered (online and offline) to assemble data from LISPs of 219 universities of Pakistan. The questionnaire covered the eight factors of ILSs and four of RSSs.FindingsThe regression model illustrates that the predicted variation of ILSs in RSSs is statistically significant. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicates that ILSs predict 70% variance in RSSs. Furthermore, the beta coefficient demonstrates that the input value of “managing findings” toward improved RSSs is moderately high as compared to other factors of ILSs. Therefore, the study concludes that ILSs of LISPs are a prerequisite for their professional growth to improve their RSSs.Originality/valueThe research has discovered the whole levels of ILSs and RSSs of the university LISPs of Pakistan. The study recommends raising the ILSs of LISPs to provide more efficient RSSs.

Information Needs of Women Subsistence Farmers in the Dlangubo Village, South Africa

Abstract Subsistence farming is important for food security and thus breaking the poverty cycle. Notwithstanding that, in many developing countries including South Africa, the development of women in rural areas remains a major concern. The purpose of this study was to explore information needs of women subsistence farmers and thus contribute to the already existing body of knowledge. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews, participant observation and focus group discussions. Grounded theory helped in data analysis. The use of Wilson’s model and the farmer-to-farmer extension (FFE) model helped in understanding the information need monitoring chain of women subsistence farmers. Findings revealed that they had both expressed and unexpressed information needs. Expressed needs included information about the recycling of seeds, soil fertility management, controlling of pests and stray animals, drought management skills, how to transcend from subsistence to commercial farming, and how to build strong social structures. Women livestock keepers needed information regarding drought management, support for livestock feeds, primary healthcare services for their livestock and support services for their extension officer who was deployed to another area. Unexpressed needs included the need for adult education as most women subsistence farmers had low levels of information literacy skills. It transpired that the word of mouth was the main source of information. The other sources of information such as radios, television and cell phones were used at a very limited rate. Local libraries were not sufficiently reaching out to respond to the women information needs. It is recommended that local libraries become visible and engage in library-led projects that can help meet women’s information needs and thus improve their living standards.

Investigation about Information Literacy Skills of Research Scholars

The study was a survey type with a quantitative focus of inquiry in which information literacy skills of post-graduate research scholars were analyzed. The sample of the study was taken from the University of Haripur. Data was collected through a questionnaire and it was analyzed in percentage form. It highlighted the level of information literacy skills of research scholars. The results may enable research supervisors and heads of departments to launch a practical training of research scholars during the course work of the M.Phil/Ph.D. It was suggested that a course of information literacy might be included at all levels of education to enable all students in general and research scholars in particular to use proper ways and means to excel in their academic life through the appropriate use of information literacy skills.

An assessment of academic library services: international and domestic students perspectives

PurposeInformation literacy is defined as discrete abilities that a person requires to have in order to find, assess, use and share information. As information literacy skills play a prominent role in the students' academic achievement, students and in particular international students coming to continue their postgraduate studies in other countries may face problems in finding and using library services. The purpose of this paper is to explore and investigate the information literacy skills, challenges and needs of international and domestic students at the Finnish universities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey (82 respondents) and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 international and 10 domestic students.FindingsAcademic library services are used but in different ways. The findings indicate that international students have a relatively low level of information literacy skills compared to domestic students and faces various challenges, especially in the beginning of their studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory, and data were collected from limited number of Finnish universities and may not be representative of the underlying population.Practical implicationsAcademic libraries should provide effective courses on research methods and library services to the international students while keeping in mind the international students language and cultural barriers.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts in information literacy research that focusses on international and domestic students' information literacy skills at the higher education environment. As such, the results provided in this paper can help librarians and decision-makers at the higher education environments to plan better and become more efficient in delivering information services meeting students' information needs and expectations.

Assessment of information literacy skills

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess information literacy skills of undergraduates in Nigerian universities.Design/methodology/approachA self-assessed questionnaire was developed to collect data from the final year undergraduates in 15 universities. A total of 1,350 final year Library and Information Science (LIS) students responded to the questionnaire which was used for analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that the majority of the LIS final year undergraduates mostly consult journal articles, followed by internet information and online databases during their research process. The undergraduates rated well-known author(s), current information, credible information, accurate and relevant information as very important when evaluating online information resources. It was found that the students rated their ability to organize information and integrate ideas from consulted information as high. While they were deficient in ability to correctly paraphrase ideas to avoid plagiarism and use citation and referencing styles correctly. On the whole, almost half of the final year undergraduates of LIS rated their level of information literacy skills to be moderate.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study will inform librarians and faculty in universities in developing countries like Nigeria to develop an information literacy instruction policy.Originality/valueAssessing information literacy skills will provide the foundation and knowledge to improve the development of information literacy training programmes.

The usage of information literacy skills in the research projects of undergraduates of aesthetic studies

Information literacy has been identified as an important skill in the contemporary higher education environment. It is plays a vital role in the academic activities especially in research process of the undergraduates. Appropriate usage of information literacy skills will improve the quality of undergraduates’ research. Therefore this study focused the usage level of information literacy skills in undergraduates research projects at the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. The study uses the survey research design and semi structured questions and observation as the data collection instruments. The study considered 75 undergraduates and their research projects in the academic year 2013/2014 as a sample. The information literacy skill was evaluated based on the six components which directly involve to the research report writing process. The study output reveals that the undergraduates need more improvements in use of information literacy skill in their research report writing process.

English

The study investigates the use of electronic resources by postgraduate students in University of Cape Coast (UCC). It specifically targets first year postgraduate students of UCC. Awareness, usage, training, and access were explored. A survey method was employed and a structured questionnaire was utilized to solicit data. The findings revealed that, though students are aware of electronic resources, they do not fully utilize them to support their academic pursuit due to poor level of information literacy skills. However, few students had not participated in all information literacy skills training organized by the library. Results from the study showed that, significant number of postgraduate students do access electronic resources when on campus and mostly use electronic devices such as laptops, ipad, desktop computers, and mobile phones. The findings indicated that students use the electronic resources to complete assignments, write project work, to update lessons note, for research, and up-date themselves on new information in their fields of study. It was recommended that a structured curriculum should therefore be established as part of postgraduate students’ normal lecture periods where time is allocated on their time table for electronic resource training, and if possible, credited to their academic performance ratings or grading. Key words: Awareness, electronic resources, postgraduate students, training.

Demographic Factors, Information Literacy Skills and Media Resources’Utilisation among Secondary School Students in Ogun State, Nigeria

The study investigated the extent to which demographic factors and information literacy skills of students in Ogun State, Nigeria determine their utilisation of media resources. The survey research design of the ex-post facto was adopted while the questionnaire was used as the major instruments of data collection. The study was anchored on the information richness and information utilisation capacity theories. Findings from the study reveal possession of the moderate level of information literacy skills by the students. The types of and major purposes of utilisation of media resources were charts, internet and newspapers for academic purposes as well as maps, simulation materials, video clips and real objects for entertainment purposes. Also, realia, flipchart, globes and textbooks were established as media resources being majorly utilised for knowledge acquisition by senior secondary school students in Ogun State, while video clips, real objects and samples as well as slides were found to be the most commonly utilised media resources for information purposes. On the frequency of utilisation of the media resources, an occasional use of media resources was established. Background factors and information literacy skills were found to have joint contribution to media resources utilisation by the students while information literacy skills were found to be the leading contributor to media resources utilisation among secondary school students in Ogun State, Nigeria. Keywords : Information, literacy skill, media resource, utilisation, student.

Workplace information literacy skills

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the level of information literacy (IL) skills competency among university library professionals in Karachi, Pakistan and to address areas of concern.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was designed, using Google Forms, to collect data from 77 academic librarians working in 25 universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The questions covered six generic attributes: library systems, information resources, searching techniques, research support, IL and generic/personal attributes.FindingsThe results indicate that the librarians who were surveyed had good IL skills in information searching and locating information resources. However, the average of all survey responses was 54.17 per cent, with 12 of the 24 competencies receiving scores of less than 50 per cent, thus indicating a generally overall low level of IL competency in the workplace.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study was limited to universities in Karachi, it would be useful to apply the same methodology to other administrative units within the country. Further research is indicated on the potential impact of gender on aspects such as level of IL skills and motivation to enhance workplace competencies.Practical implicationsThe authors have suggested a number of strategies, which would be applicable globally to any university library wishing to improve the IL skills competencies of its staff.Originality/valueThere have been no previous published, non-discipline-specific, research studies on the IL skills competencies of academic librarians in Pakistan.

Assessing information skills among the undergraduate science students of pcacs, Navi Mumbai: A pilot study

Assessment is an essential part of teaching, learning and assessment process. Librarians throughout academia need to assess information literacy skill. Information literacy enables a student to achieve his/her goals, develop his/her knowledge and potential, and participate fully in the wider society. It is widely recognized that information literacy is vital for learning and growth of higher education students. However, authors noted that little research is reported about assessment of information literacy skills in Indian education system. This study has been designed to address this vital need to measure the level of information literacy skills among the undergraduate science students of Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Navi Mumbai.

Analyzing the level of information literacy skills of medical undergraduate of Eastern University, Sri Lanka

The study was executed to analyze the level of Information Literacy skills of medical undergraduates of Eastern University, Sri Lanka, who are engaged in Problem Based Learning (PBL). As the information literacy (IL) skills are the core elements of independent self-directed learning, the PBL must be coupled with IL skills to achieve the maximum benefit of the PBL. The study used the cross sectional survey which used Information Literacy Quiz as an instrument. IL quiz consists of multiple choice questions related to different array of IL skills. Students’ samples were selected randomly and the sample size was 85. The results revealed that the overall average for the IL competency level of medical students is 39%, which ranges from 13.57% to 65.71%, and about 43% of students fall within the ‘Satisfactory level’ (41-60%). When considering average for each skill, analytical skill is 31.36%, locating skill is 47%, comprehension and creating skill are 26.36% and presentation skills is 51.14%. There was no statistical significance in the level of IL skills between genders and there is no association between gender and the level of different IL skills. Furthermore, the study reveals that students do not have sufficient knowledge in concept mapping, 5Wh technique, effective reading methods, note taking techniques, search strategies, use of library catalogues, evaluation of website, and structuring report, and plagiarism. They also do not know the difference between databases and search engines, and scholarly work and nonscholarly work. The study, at the end, suggests that it is essential to improve the IL skills among the students before they are engaged in PBL.

Auditing information literacy skills of secondary school students in Singapore

The aim of this study was to assess the information literacy (IL) and cyber-wellness skills of secondary 3 (grade 9) students, who are aged 14-15, in Singapore. The Ministry of Education in Singapore has introduced aspects of IL in schools through incorporating components into the syllabi of various subjects. A pilot-tested online survey, validated by IL experts from Canada, Hong Kong, Kuwait and Thailand, was used for data collection. The survey was taken by 2,458 students from 11 secondary schools in different geographical zones of Singapore. It was found that the use of school libraries and their resources was at a very low level. The majority of the students approached classmates and friends for help in solving their information-related problems. Only a small fraction consulted their school librarian. The overall IL assessment score showed that the students possessed a ‘middle’ level of IL skills which is better than previous (pre-curriculum integration) IL assessment studies in Singapore. As curriculum-embedded IL skills are taught by subject teachers, their level of preparedness could be a matter of concern. Similarly, fragmentation of IL concepts in different subject textbooks may cause co-ordination problems among teachers. This paper highlights the need for developing a roadmap for providing IL skills at different grade levels and in different subject areas. It is expected that the findings of this study will be useful to curriculum planners, teachers, schools librarians and others involved in IL education.

Exploration of information literacy skills status and impacts on the quality of life of artisans in Lagos, Nigeria

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to establish the information literacy skills status, medium for the acquisition of the skills and the impacts on the quality of life of artisans in Lagos, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample. First, the purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting five categories of artisans specialised in creative works such as: hat making, knitting of clothes, fashion designing/tailoring, hair dressing and shoe making. Second, the proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting five artisans, each representing a particular category from the 20 local government areas that make up Lagos State. Hence, the sample size is 100. The instruments for data collection were questionnaire and oral interview. The oral interview was meant to complement the questionnaire, as the researcher observed that some of the artisans communicate better in oral discussions than in written ones. The researcher personally administered the instruments. The oral interview was guided by the interview schedule constructed by the researcher based on the research questions. The questionnaire collection period lasted three weeks. Data collected were analysed using simple percentages and frequency count and presented in tables and figures. Findings – The outcome of the study revealed that the artisans’ level of information literacy skills increased following their exploration of technological gadgets such as android and smart-phones which the study had established to be the main means through which they acquire their information literacy skills. Other sources such as the library and training organised by the state government have not benefited them. The result established that the increase in their information literacy skills status has enhanced their quality of life. Practical implications – An improvement in the information literacy skills status of artisans could positively impact their quality of life. Originality/value – An exploration of the information literacy skills status, medium for the acquisition of the skills and the impacts on the quality of life of artisans in Lagos has not been carried out before now. This study revealed the status as well as the most accessible and appealing medium of information literacy skills acquisition by the artisans. This will help the government and public library management with the knowledge of the information literacy skills’ needs including, formats and media most suitable for this category of people.

Information Literacy Skills of Research Assistants and Their Educational Needs: Sample of Ankara University

The continuous development in information and communication technologies has directly affected the environment for acquisition of information and learning as well as reshaping the structure of this environment. Thus the resources, tools, applications and services applied in this environment have also changed and they have been digitally presented. These innovations have made individuals adapt to the new environments in the context of lifelong learning. In other words, it becomes necessary for people to be equipped with “information literacy skills” including “defining the information needs”, “effective access to information”, “assessment of information”, “use of information” and “ transmission and presentation of information” which are indispensable parts of information age. There are significant contributions of educational activities organized by libraries in providing individuals with these skills. In this study, it is aimed to determine library usage of the research assistants at Ankara University, their levels of information literacy skills in the scope of information and communication technologies and identify their educational expectations concerning these issues. This research has been done with 556 participants among 1028 research assistants who have been anticipated to be involved. The descriptive method and a survey as a data collection technique have been used. The results have been analyzed through PASW (Predictive Analytics SoftWare). The results show that the research assistants at Ankara University have difficulty in all stages of research process and they require educational activities on information literacy prepared by libraries.

Faculty‐librarian collaboration in improving information literacy of educational opportunity program students

PurposeThis study aims to examine the instruction of basic information literacy (IL) skills taught to the socio‐economically disadvantaged students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Rider University in summer 2011. The study set out to determine how the beginning IL levels of EOP freshmen differ from those of other freshmen, their learning outcomes, and retention of IL as a means to improve future research instruction.Design/methodology/approachFaculty of a speech communication class and two librarians collaborated in integrating IL in the class assignments of the 2011 summer EOP program. The assessment tools include identical pre‐ and post‐tests, a second post‐test with different multiple correct answer questions, a survey about students' perceptions of their IL training, and the teaching faculty's observations of EOP students' research skills.FindingsEOP freshmen are equivalent to the peer freshmen in their low levels of IL skills. The findings suggested that EOP freshmen complete IL instruction with stronger IL skills. The second post‐test revealed that many students were confused about some basic IL concepts. Faculty's observation of students' information literacy skills concurs with the pre‐ and post‐tests.Originality/valueThis study fills a void in the literature on recent research of information literacy skills of socio‐economically disadvantaged college students. The multi‐correct answer questions employed are valuable but rarely employed in studies or discussed in the literature. The collaboration of faculty and librarians in assignment design is valuable as an increasing number of faculty are utilizing librarians to teach the necessary IL skills needed in today's curricula.

Information Literacy Skills: Promoting University Access and Success in the United Arab Emirates

The focus of this research is to assess the level of information literacy (IL) skills required for the transition-to-university experience across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research further seeks to shed light on the IL levels of incoming first-year university students and describe their perceptions of their IL skills. The research population consisted of first-year students from three private universities in the UAE: G1 from Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST), G2 from Al Ain University of Science and Technology (AAU), and G3 from Al Hosn University (AHU). The three groups were recruited from students enrolled in first year general education classes. A total of 90 students were asked to take an IL pre-test to assess the level of IL skills they possessed upon entering university. Because the authors are currently teaching at AAU, G2 was trained as part of their first-year research skills course at AAU, while the other two groups G1 and G3 did not receive IL training. At the end of the semester, the authors used post-testing to determine if IL training helped improve IL skills of the trained participants. The post-test was given to two groups, including G1, which did not receive any training, and G2, the only trained group. Pre-test results identified a gap between the expectations and existing skills vital for secondary and university-level education in all three groups. The post-test evaluation of skills showed statistically significant increases in all IL assessed competencies. The need for customized curriculum to address the IL deficits revealed by new students is evident.