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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.
... 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
... 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
... However, fewer studies have been carried out in Pakistan. Efforts have been made to measure the IL skills of students and faculty members and asserted the need to introduce planned IL training programs at local level (Batool and Mahmood, 2012;Batool and Webber, 2019;Kousar and Mahmood, 2013;Idrees, 2020, 2021). Similarly, numerous studies focused on the ICT competencies of students and found these skills unsatisfactory and proposed the integration of ICT trainings into the curriculum (Ishaq et al., 2020;Siddiquah and Salim, 2017;Wasif et al., 2012). ...
Purpose
The present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive sampling of women, aged between 20–50 years who were buying products online, not from the traditional retail stores. Out of 309 received questionnaires, 269 responses were useable and were utilized for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to deduce inferences.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research approach was employed for this study, and a survey was conducted to collect the data from the study's respondents. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.
Findings
Results revealed that the digital information literacy skills of women were good to a moderate level. However, they were not confident in applying advanced searching options. In accordance with what was hypothesized in a directional hypothesis, DIL was found to be a strong predictor of online shopping behavior of women, consequently highlighting the importance of such competencies in modern life. Other findings illustrate that participating women rarely engaged in online shopping and felt hesitation in using credit/debit card for online transactions.
Research limitations/implications
These observations highlight the important role of information professionals in creating digital literacy among different population groups, specifically women, by planning digital information instruction through courses, workshops and trainings. This could eventually be possible with the dynamic role of librarians or information professionals in the society.
Originality/value
The present study adopts the unique approach of measuring online shopping behavior of female shoppers in connection with their digital information literacy skills.
... There is an information revolution. So, it is very pertinent that everyone should have skills to identify, manage, and assess the information for their academic as well as individual needs (Batool and Mahmood, 2012). ...
The study is intended to explore the opinion of the teaching faculty about students’ skills related to Information Literacy (IL). The other purpose was to seek the opinion of the faculty regarding the value of IL capabilities for their students and needs in this connections. Identification of the difference among various programs’ students’ IL skills was also among the objectives of this study. Data from students was collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide was utilized to conduct the interviews of the faculty for data collection purposes. Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Excel sheet were employed for analysis of the collected data. Findings confirmed that faculty considered IL skills important and much needed for their students. Results also proved that students differed significantly while responding to the statements “rephrase and improve the searching” and “know the reason of needed information” devised to measure their IL skills. This is the first study in terms of its nature which is conducted by collecting the data from both stakeholders: faculty and students. The study has multiple implications for the institutions, library professionals, faculty, researchers as well as students. It also shares recommendations and future research directions for researchers.
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.
Information literacy (IL) skills comprise the set of competencies, which are useful for research, lifelong learning and to become the critical consumer of information in 21 st century. The present study aimed to assess IL skills of mathematics faculty members in higher education institutes of Pakistan. The study explored their ability to identify the information need and sources; to plan strategies for locating, accessing, evaluating and ethically applying the needed information effectively and efficiently. The study employed a quantitative research approach and structured questionnaire based on SCONUL Seven Pillars of Information Literacy, was sent to 300 faculty members from 36 HEC recognized public sector universities of the Punjab province. After repeated follow up calls, 185 filled questionnaires were received. The data were analyzed using SPSS-24. The major findings of the study showed that the mathematics faculty members had reasonable IL skills of basic level. They were able to identify information need and related information sources. They were able to scope, plan, gather, evaluate, manage and present information legally and ethically. However, they were less competent at the advanced level of IL skills. The study suggested that information professionals/librarians working in university libraries should design need-based IL programs to cater the needs of faculty members.
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 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.
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/