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Teachers’ conceptions about information literacy skills of school children
Abstract
The paper presents results of a study conducted to measure perceptions of teachers about their 3rd grade students' information literacy (IL) skills. The IL standards given by the California School Library Association for 2nd graders were provided to 54 teachers from three private schools of Lahore city of Pakistan to get their opinion. Selected through purposive sampling methods, the respondents perceived their students to be good or adequate in various IL skills. The students were qualified in each of the eight standards of information literacy. The study concludes that information literacy activities can be practiced by schools by providing proper learning resources and infrastructure.
... There needs to be more literature highlighting the importance of workplace information skills. A substantial amount of local literature focused on IL in the context of higher education (Bhatti, 2012;Mehmood, 2013;Rafique, 2014;Zulfiqar, 2016); the school sector (Batool, and Mahmood, 2016); medical libraries (Ullah and Anwar, 2013;Ullah and Ameen, 2014;Ullah and Ameen, 2016); and media and digital literacy (Ameen and Gorman, 2009;Hussain et al., 2021;Mahmood, Batool, Rafiq, Safdar, 2021). ...
... Nonetheless, more examination and estimating scales in the work environment should be finished. As per Rader (2002), many examinations on IL mostly centre on the scholastic environment, for example Andreae and Anderson (2012), Bawden (2001); Batool and Mahmood (2016), Bruce (1997); Vellaichamy and Jeyshankar (2017). In any case, it is similarly critical to comprehend the working environment IL abilities of the staff individuals, as this is one of the fundamental rules for the labour force (Cheuk, 1998). ...
Purpose
The study aims to develop a validated scale to measure the workplace information literacy (WIL) skills of Quality Enhancement Cell’s staff based on the i-skills model.
Design/methodology/approach
To develop scale, a multi-stage scale development procedure was adopted. The comprehensive WIL scale was developed and validated in four phases. The first phase involved reviewing literature, content and face validity through experts. In the later stages, through survey method, the construct validity was tested with the application of the exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. The scale reliability further calculated through Cronbach’s alpha internal reliability coefficient. The SPSS was used to test and validate the designed scale.
Findings
A multi-dimensional, reliable 62-item scale classified into eight factors was developed. Results indicate that the designed scale achieved internal, face, content, construct validity and reliability. The refined scale has the potential to be used in similar context, however, can be modified for diverse contexts and situations.
Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first validated scale of WIL based on the i-skills model. Looking at the prior developed scales, this tool is unique in nature to focus on the skills of administrative staff.
... With the passage of time these skills are getting more advanced and reformed. According to Batool (2016) proper training can foster likely usage of these skills. When focus our attention on District Bhimber which is one of leading districts in education, every year, a large number of students from this district secure top positions in different boards and university exams. ...
... Research highlights that information literacyskills bring multidimensional benefits for students and these benefits may be at macro-level to transform societies. Information literacy serves as a catalyst or a promoter for transforming today's society into the learning society of future (Batool & Mahmood, 2016). ...
Information literacy is defined as a set of skills required to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information. Due to the knowledge explosion and the availability of a vast amount ofinformation resources, this era is known as the “information era”. In the21stcentury, mere replication of knowledge is not enough rather the survival of the personnel is contingent with the practice specific information literacy skills Information literacy skills empower individuals by allowing them to develop their critical thinking skills, enabling them to become independent lifelong learners. This study was conducted to measurethe information literacy skills of secondary school students. The sample comprised 125 secondary school students of Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). An online test was used to measure the level of information literacy of students. The test comprised 32 items. The time limit of the test was 60 minutes. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. It is important to mention that out of 125 students, only 5 students attained a high score ranging between 80.6 and 90.5.These students finished their test within 41-50 minutes. Whereas the rest of the students scored less than 50%. It was concluded that the selected secondary school students could not use technology in their day-to-day activities. It is recommended that students should beprovided with opportunities to use technology in their day-to-day life at school level. Moreover, it is suggested here that a comprehensive course on information literacy skills andtheir practical applications should be mandatory at secondary level. Keywords: critical thinking skills, information literacy skills, lifelong learning
... Several researchers have used Marshall's (2006) Information Competency Assessment Instrument to investigate information competency among university students (Allari et al., 2022;Urra et al., 2021). After analysing the extant literature, it was evident that Marshall's instrument would be an exhaustive tool for evaluating students from a developing country such as Pakistan where information literacy instruction is still in its infancy (Batool et al., 2022), very basic compared to what people really need (Batool and Mahmood, 2012) and focused on library orientation instead of information literacy components (Rafiq et al., 2020). Moreover, the Information Competency Assessment Instrument's 10 dimensions mean that it was a better choice for investigating the phenomenon in a comprehensive manner compared with the other instruments available. ...
Students who possess information competency are better equipped to use the large volumes of data at their disposal and think critically and creatively. This study aims to address the research gap in Pakistani higher education by examining the information competency of undergraduate students at a premier university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 669 undergraduates, using descriptive and inferential statistics to draw inferences. The study found that students perceived their information competency to be slightly higher than average, with no significant difference based on gender or academic year. The subject domain significantly predicted students’ information competency level, with engineering students expressing higher information competency levels than students from other disciplines. The social sciences group of students reported feeling less information competent compared to the other five groups. The study addresses the literature gap and provides crucial measures for academicians and library practitioners to create effective digital and information literacy programmes for university students.
... IL denotes to the comprehensive set of abilities and identifications that empower a person to diagnose the desired information from the properties that will best reply to those desires and to identify how to use those properties efficiently and also to determine the information he/she has got (Molopyane and Fourie, 2015). IL has a deep influence on quality of life, education and research, employment and information-rich environment (Batool and Mahmood, 2016). Though the concept of IL was first coined in 1974 by Paul G. Zurkowski, it is comparatively a new term in Bangladesh. ...
The main purpose of this paper is to explore the Information Literacy (IL) skills among the students of Business faculty students at University of Dhaka (DU). The more specific objectives of the study are to identify the strength and weakness of its IL programs and to provide some suitable recommendations to enhance the business faculty student’s IL skills. The study employed descriptive research, applying a questionnaire-based survey. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed randomly, of which 253 were returned and used for the analysis. The results of the study reveal that there are considerable differences in IL skills among the faculty students. Most students are not able to answer relevant questions correctly. There were great differences in IL skills among students. It was found that a majority of students lacked skills in catalogue searching and information use, selection of e-resources, formulation of search and information seeking strategies, and even about proper procedures of borrowing books from the library. However, most respondents agreed that IL is essential in their academic work and research.
... Ullah and Ameen (2015) explored medical librarians' perceptions toward the significance of information literacy. Batool and Mahmood (2012) conducted a survey to evaluate primary school teachers' perceptions of their students' IL abilities. Ullah and Ameen (2016) investigated the obstacles to imparting information literacy training in Pakistani medical institutions. ...
Purpose of the study: This study aims to evaluate faculty members' information literacy skills in public sector medical colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Design/Methodology/approach: The descriptive research design was used to conduct and accomplish the study's objectives. The research population consisted of faculty members at public sector medical colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa southern region. Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Lecturers, and demonstrators comprise the faculty. The adapted questionnaires of (Jan & Bahtti, 2018; Ullah, 2015; Sharma & Lata, 2019; and Rafique, 2014) were modified and used as data collection instrument. Key findings: Majority of the public sector medical college faculty recognizes the various sources of information, and they use both printed and online materials to identify needed information. The majority of faculty at these medical colleges consults monographs/textbooks regularly, preceded by online journals/medical databases. A good number of medical faculty members opted to use the HEC digital library to locate and access their contents. Delimitations of the study: This study is delimited to three public sector medical colleges operate in southern districts: of Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Kohat, the Gomal Medical College (GMC) in Dera Ismail Khan, and the Bannu Medical College (BMC) in Bannu. Practical implication(s): The findings of the study will motivate the policy makers and authorities of these three medical colleges in southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to enhance the information literacy skills of medical faculty. This practice will result into an effective medical education in the province. Contribution to the knowledge: No significant work has been done on the Faculty's Information literacy skills at public sector medical colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.. This study will add valuable literature to literary world.
... d Bahtti (2018) conducted a study to determine librarians' information literacy skills in public sector universities. The study's findings indicated that most respondents were unable to understand and recognize the information they need. Ullah and Ameen (2015) explored medical librarians' perceptions toward the significance of information literacy.Batool and Mahmood (2012) conducted a survey to evaluate primary school teachers' perceptions of their students' IL abilities.Ullah and Ameen (2016) investigated the obstacles to imparting information literacy training in Pakistani medical institutions.Hamid and Ahmad (2016) surveyed to evaluate the User Education programs (UEP's) conducted by different universi ...
Purpose of the study: The main theme of this study is to assess faculty members' information literacy skills in public sector medical colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Design/Methodology/approach: The quantitative research approach was used to conduct and accomplish the study's objectives. The faculty members serving at public sector medical colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa southern region. was the population of the study. The adapted questionnaires of (Jan & Bahtti, 2018; Ullah, 2015; Sharma & Lata, 2019; and Rafique, 2014) were used to collect data from the respondents. Key findings: Majority of the public sector medical college faculty recognizes the various sources of information, and they use both printed and online materials to identify needed information. The majority of faculty at these medical colleges consults monographs/textbooks regularly, preceded by online journals/medical databases. Faculty members possess the skills to locate and access the sources of needed information. Delimitations of the study: This study is delimited to three public sector medical colleges operate in southern districts: of Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Kohat, the Gomal Medical College (GMC) in Dera Ismail Khan, and the Bannu Medical College (BMC) in Bannu. Practical implication(s): The findings of the study will motivate the policy makers and authorities of these three medical colleges in southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to enhance the information literacy skills of medical faculty. This practice will result into an effective medical education in the province. Contribution to the knowledge: No significant work has been done on the Faculty's Information literacy skills at public sector medical colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.. This study will add valuable literature to literary world.
... A dearth of fundamental research (e.g., development of frameworks, models, and standards) on this subject is demonstrated by related publications [47]. IL guidance in Pakistan is very basic compared to what people there really need [48]. ...
This study aimed to assess undergraduate students' Information Literacy (IL) abilities in Pakistan. A survey method was employed to collect the necessary data from the population. The participants consisted of students from the Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), COMSATS University Islamabad, Bahria University (BU) Islamabad, and the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST). The sample consisted of 200 students, randomly selected. A questionnaire was formulated and completed individually. The results produced an alarming result for the selected institutions, as about 52% of students reported that they never went to the library. A similar situation was found across the selected universities, though with BU surpassing other universities with respect to daily use of the library. The responses to the survey indicated students were in a poor position in terms of their ability to identify information sources. Furthermore, most item scores were less than two, indicating that students' recognition and understanding of information sources was in a dangerously precarious condition. The findings also indicated that students' ability to access and use information for assignments, tests, examinations, and the writing of research articles was extremely limited. This could have severe implications for their learning outcomes. According to our findings, students' ability to implement technical best practice in academic work and research was extremely limited, as was their knowledge of and practice in providing appropriate credit to original authors. On the other hand, the students' ability to use social media applications, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, was relatively strong. We recommend that university libraries should be more involved in the educational process. This study should contribute considerably to the organization of different IL programs in universities to promote, develop, and improve students' IL abilities.
... This study also suggested that library education regulatory bodies must also ensure that the curriculum is updated to reflect developments in information literacy. Batool and Mahmood (2016) examined the perceptions of teachers about their 3rd-grade students' information literacy skills. The aim of this study was the measurement of the conceptions of the teachers of 3rd grade about their students' Information Literacy skills. ...
This study aimed to investigate information literacy skills of LIS students in Punjab
University and Sargodha University; to discover strengths and weaknesses of the LIS students of
both schools regarding IL skills; to ascertain challenges faced by LIS students and to find out
what level and sort of IL programs have been availed by LIS students
This study used a quantitative research approach based on a survey method and a
pretested structured questionnaire was adapted to assess the IL skills of LIS students. The
population of the study consisted of currently enrolled in BS, MLIS, M.Phil, and Ph.D. at both
library schools. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS 22. Descriptive and some of
inferrential statistics were applied to calculate frequencies, percentages, means, modes, and
standard deviations. An independent sample t-test was applied to calculate and compare the
difference between two segments of the population.
Some major findings showed that the students of the Department of Information
Management, University of the Punjab are more skillful than the students of the Department of
Information Management, University of Sargodha. Their abilities to define information need,
access, evaluate, and use ethically is comparatively better than their counterparts. The LIS
students of both schools are required to be well versed with all IL competencies which are
needed in their professional life.
Based on the results of the study it is recommended that there is a need to raise awareness
about information literacy skills among students. Curricula should be redesigned on modern
ongoing trends like advanced countries to promote IL among students of both IM schools.
Further, it is recommended that professional development opportunities, training programs and
ix
mutual interaction are important for the enhancement of teacher’s capability of delivering
information literacy content efficiently at both IM schools.
Keywords: Information literacy skills of LIS students, Information Management
Students Punjab University, Information literacy skills of LIS scholars in Pakistan
In the information age, Internet literacy encompasses computer literacy, information literacy, and other literacy content, including network technology, network security, and other aspects. It is the basic literacy necessary for the survival and development of adolescents on the network. Adolescents, as Internet natives, are vulnerable to the influence of the Internet, so improving their Internet literacy is critical. This study reviews the literature on adolescent Internet literacy from three aspects, including the concept of internet literacy, evaluation indicators of adolescents' internet literacy, and its relationship to other factors, to help better understand the focus of the previous studies and make suggestions for future research directions. At the same time, it is hoped that this will draw the attention of researchers to the importance of Internet literacy, and advocate that policymakers, schools, and parents commit themselves to guiding adolescents to use the Internet wisely, improving their Internet literacy, and contributing to the narrowing of the digital divide.
The library’s goal is to promote the culture of reading. Not only does the library promote the culture of reading, but also it facilitates access to books for those who love reading. Thus, through the library, its visitors can enjoy not only their lives, but also it allows them to spend their time intellectually. This program has been designed to help people discover the joy of the written word. The primary goal of fostering a love of reading among library patrons is to make it an enjoyable and rewarding pastime. As a result, it is critical to raise awareness about the value of reading for pleasure rather than only learning material for tests and encourage students to make reading a habit. Library Week, which is held each year during the academic session in high school, is one of the ways that libraries can help spread the word about the importance of reading and healthy reading culture. The relevant literature has been assessed in light of the topic by searching both published and unpublished relevant research works. Tylor and Francis Group, ERIC, Emerald, Elsevier, LISA, LISTA, ProQuest Research papers, and Wiley Online Library are addressed as relevant databases. The current study’s findings may also aid in better planning school library services and dealing with the required, complicated, and ever-increasing requirements for book selection, acquisition, and integration. The findings are also aid in the modification and enhancement of educational policy.
This Canadian-based survey research study investigates the information literacy (IL) instruction practices, attitudes and knowledge of university faculty. Findings are based on results from an online survey of all full-time faculty at York University. The value of this paper lies, firstly, in its contribution to a field of enquiry where a research deficit has been identified. Second, it contributes to IL research and practice by both synthesizing and corroborating some of the findings of earlier studies of a similar nature. This and other studies establish that many faculty attitudes and practices regarding IL instruction have remained relatively constant over time by revealing evidence of a strong and enduring faculty belief in the value of solid student IL proficiencies, concerns that these proficiencies fall below desired standards; the view that IL instruction is beneficial; and evidence of disconnects between expressed beliefs and actual IL practice. Third, this study builds on what is already known by uncovering disciplinary differences in faculty opinions and practices in the domain of IL instruction and by providing insights on how faculty’s perceptions and rankings of different types of IL competencies are evolving and changing in an increasingly web-based information universe.
Purpose
– The paper aims to explore the overall state of information and digital illiteracy (IDL) in developing countries and how it hampers the growth of individuals and nations. The case of Pakistan is to be used as an example to illustrate the endemic state of poor information and digital literacy. It also aims to discuss the general drawbacks to effective IDL in developing Asian countries.
Design/methodology/approach
– To achieve the objectives of the study, the literature review and result of Pakistan‐based surveys are used to indicate the state of IDL among university students and faculty in one country while integrating these findings with discussion.
Findings
– It was found that in Pakistan, as elsewhere, IL/IDL practice and training are not the norm in libraries or in education; they are not operational priorities. The low level of IL/IDL among the educated classes contributes to the status quo of information illiterate citizens. It also establishes that becoming “critical consumers” of information is essential for personal and national empowerment.
Originality/value
– The study explores the overall status of IDL in the developing countries using case of Pakistan as example. It suggests conducting local research on contextually relevant literacies and IL/IDL. The paper invokes the appreciation for making IL/IDL an integral part of learning programmes at all levels.
The purpose of this study was to explore and critically examine the present state of affairs regarding the provision of library user education by the university libraries of Pakistan. The study collected data by means of questionnaire, personal observation, and informal discussion with senior library staff members. Literature and Internet sources were also consulted with a purpose to explore the related studies in the field. The study indicates the need for Pakistani university libraries to improve their professional standards and to take a more active role in formulating a proper policy and aims and objectives on educating the users. Teaching the users about library structure, location and layout, resources and services is of great value. Particular importance must be given to this, to enable users to make effective and efficient use of library for independent study and research. This purpose can be achieved by developing the orientation programmes, basic bibliographic instruction and advanced bibliographic instruction based on the demands of categories of users. Various factors were found to be the contributors for inhibiting the successful execution of a quality user education programme as: lack of proper policy by the authorities, lack of assessment of library users' educational and information needs, inadequate in-service training for library staff, poor response from the students and teachers, and insufficient budget for acquiring audio-visual aids. This study has practical implications for the mangers of university libraries, librarians and information specialists for developing constructive instructional programmes. It can be useful for improving the value and meaningfulness of such projects in other kind of libraries as well. Not many studies on the user education programme have been conducted in Pakistan. This research is of the perception of students, teachers and librarians about such programmes. The key points that emerge that user education has a key role for making the users true information literate. It shows that Pakistani university libraries still has a long way to go for improving their instructional programme with purpose to bring the harmony between the teaching-learning programme of the university and library services.
This article presents the results of a survey done of the faculty of programs fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) in 2002-2003. The purpose of the survey was to assess the faculties' perceptions of their students' information literacy skills as defined by the ACRL standards adopted in 2000. Faculty reported that most of their graduate students met the ACRL criteria for information literacy, but only some of their undergradu- ate students could be considered information literate by these standards. Faculty also reported consistent improvement in their students' research process after receiving library instruction.
Surveys of faculty were conducted at two higher education institutions in England and the United States to ascertain their perceptions of infor-mation literacy. Faculty were also asked about the extent to which they incorporated information literacy skills into their courses. Similarities were found across the two institutions both in the importance that faculty attached to information skills and what they actually did to incorporate the skills within curricula. The results reflect an information literacy skills gap between what faculty (and librarians) want for their students and the practical reality. Librarians and faculty should work collaboratively together to bridge this gap. his paper originally grew out of research conducted for a master's program in Educa-tional Management, which was studied in the United Kingdom. The intention was to ascertain faculty views on information literacy, rather than just make assumptions on their knowledge of the skills and interest in the concept. It was also deemed highly relevant, if information literacy was to be promoted throughout the institution, for data on current faculty activity in this area to be gathered and evaluated. When the researcher moved from England to the United States, it was obvious that con-ducting a similar research exercise would be beneficial in another institution, and it is hoped that the findings from both might help enlighten future librarian/ faculty collaborative work.
FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS, academic librarians have been concerned with integrating library instruction and information literacy into the undergraduate curriculum. Their efforts have brought some successes, but overall their struggle continues. Technological developments, educational reforms, and concern with preparation for success in the Information Age are beginning to enable academic librarians to once again integrate information and technological skills instruction into the undergraduate curriculum.
An evaluation of user-education programmes in the university libraries of Pakistan. Library Philosophy and Practice. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.unl
- R Bhatti
Bhatti, R. (2010). An evaluation of user-education programmes in the university libraries of Pakistan.
Library Philosophy and Practice. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/316/