Article

Relationship of Students' Perceived Information Literacy Skills with Personal and Academic Variables

September 2013
Libri 63(3):232-239

DOI:10.1515/libri-2013-0018

Authors:

University of the Punjab

A diagnostic assessment of information literacy (IL) skills of students is useful to design an effective IL in-struction program for them. This paper reports results of a study conducted to investigate students' perceived IL skills in the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Using a locally developed 20-item scale, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1,414 conveniently selected students from all 73 academic units of the university. The findings indicate that the students were more comfortable in basic computing and internet related activities but less com-fortable on specialized information searching tasks. The relationship of 'total score' of students' IL skills was ex-plored with six personal and academic variables (i.e., gen-der, discipline of study, degree level, social background, English language proficiency, and access to computer at home). This baseline study may be helpful for designing and implementing IL instruction programs in universities.

Correlatives of business students’ perceived information literacy self-efficacy in the digital information environment

Article

Full-text available

May 2021
J LIBR INF SCI

Self-efficacy toward information literacy is and has been demonstrated as an essential and fundamental key for academic performance and lifelong learning of students at all levels. This research reported the results of a cross-sectional survey carried out to investigate the correlatives of information literacy self-efficacy among business students at the University of Management and Technology, Lahore. The questionnaire contained an Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale, which along with sociodemographic and academic variables was utilized for collecting data from 350 students. The survey participants were recruited through a convenient sampling procedure due to accessibility issues and time limitations. The data were analyzed by applying both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS. The results revealed that the business students had high self-efficacy for basic information literacy skills and low self-efficacy for advanced-level information literacy skills. Age, study program, study stage, proficiency for computer, and English language appeared to be the correlatives of students’ information literacy self-efficacy. The pragmatic insights generated in this research might be used as a guide by university librarians, especially those who are engaged in information literacy instructions for designing a need-based and student-centered curriculum for information literacy instruction programs.

Predictors of information literacy self-efficacy among medical students: PLS-SEM analysis

Article

Oct 2020
LIBR HI TECH

Abstract Purpose – The study was designed to examine the predictors of information literacy self-efficacy skills (IL skills) of medical students. Design/methodology/approach – The study was quantitative in nature and was carried out by using survey research method. Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and Information Literacy Self- Efficacy Scale for medical students (ILSES-M) were used to collect the data. Data was collected randomly from 223 out of 526 undergraduate medical students on proportionally random basis according to the number of students available in each year. PLS-SEM analysis was run with the help of SmartPLS 3.2. Findings – The findings of the study revealed that three subconstructs for emotional intelligence (EI), that is, self-emotions appraisal, others-emotion appraisal, use of emotions, had a statistically significant positive impact (p < 0.05) on information literacy (IL) self-efficacy of the medical students. The findings further confirm that English language proficiency and frequency of attended IL instruction sessions also have a significant positive impact on IL self-efficacy of medical students. Originality/value – The exploration of EI in relation to IL is comparatively a novel area. The study observed the influence of EI level on IL self-efficacy of medical students. The study will be a significant contribution to the IL literature. The results may help the information professionals/librarians, particularly those who are engaged in teaching and designing IL programs. Keywords Informational literacy, Emotional intelligence, Medical students, IL self-efficacy, Pakistan Paper type Research paper

Information Literacy Self-Efficacy of Business Students in Pakistan

Article

Dec 2019
LIBRI

This study aimed to investigate the information literacy (IL) self-efficacy of business students in Pakistan using a cross-sectional survey research design. The data were collected through a questionnaire containing Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale along with personal and academic variables. The results revealed that the business students were confident and competent in basic IL skills whereas they were less comfortable in developing and limiting search strategies, referencing, managing citations, using different types of libraries and lack advanced levels of IL skills. In addition, there was no correlation of students’ perceived IL self-efficacy with gender, social background, ICTs trainings received, and IL instructions received. Conversely, the students’ age, program of study, stage of study, and ICTs proficiency were appeared to be the predictor of IL self-efficacy. The results generated pragmatic insights which can be used as a guide in developing useful directions for a need-based information literacy curriculum as well as programmes.

An Assessment of women faculty members' opinions about information literacy needs, search and evaluation competencies

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2017

This paper reports information literacy needs, search and evaluation competencies at Mother Teresa Women’s University and its affiliated colleges. In this study it is try to evaluate the information literacy needs, information needs assessment competency and competency of information literacy evaluation. Questionnaire was a data collection tool. A total of 290 questionnaires were distributed among users and 254 duly filled in questionnaires were received, thus resulting into a response rate of 87.59 per cent. Out of 12 institutions, 5 are government, 5 are self-financing and 2 are aided educational institutions. This study showed that 163 (64.2%) respondents are assistant professors and 81 (31.9%) respondents are associate professors while just 10 (3.9%) respondents are professors. Study also reveals that majority of the respondents belong to more than 45 years (33.1%) age group followed by 41-45 years age group constituting 19.3% (49) of the respondents and 36-40 years age group constituting 16.9% (43) of the respondents and 30.8% (78) of the sample are young belonging to either 25-30 or 31-35 years age group.

Health information literacy of University of Namibia students

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2015

This article presents the findings of a study on the health information literacy of students at the University of Namibia main campus. The study was conducted between 2013 and 2014 and consisted of two hundred and seventy one (271) participants aged between 17-19 years old. The quantitative study used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. The findings show that the majority of the respondents strongly believed that health information is important and they were able to seek health information. They also strongly agreed that they knew where to seek health information and they liked to get health information from a variety of sources. The respondents indicated that they were more comfortable getting information from the Internet than print sources. A gap in health information literacy was revealed by the fact that the respondents found it difficult to know who to believe in health issues, suggesting difficulties in critically evaluating the health information and sources. The study concludes that although UNAM students appeared knowledgeable in some health information issues, there are some gaps which need to be addressed. The study therefore recommends Kickbusch’s (2008) three way intervention strategy which comprises of culture and society, health and education systems to address the existing gaps in health information literacy.

Information literacy at journalists’ workplace in Pakistan

Article

Jan 2023
J LIBR INF SCI

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

Bonding between information literacy and personal information management practices: a survey of electronic media journalists

Article

Mar 2022

Purpose Reporters are considered unique in terms of their information needs and seeking from other groups of masses. As they are running information business, the purpose of the study is to know about their skills of seeking, evaluating and engaging with information effectively and efficiently. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted with electronic media reporters from 20 news channels to assess their information literacy skills (IL) and personal information management practices (PIM). Findings The results indicated that the study’s participants considered themselves as information literate. They perceived themselves competent and confident in IL skills for the overall scale and on its all sub-dimensions as well. Interestingly, the study findings show that IL skills affect PIM practices positively. However, they were less competent in advanced searching techniques (i.e. use of Boolean logic, truncation etc.) and cloud-based storing tools and applications. Practical implications The study has inferences for information professionals, educators, media owners and other stakeholders. Policymakers in electronic media, particularly media libraries should offer training opportunities by organizing workshops, seminars etc. to enhance their advanced IL as well as PIM skills at workplace. Originality/value Very few studies investigated the IL phenomenon beyond its skills and assessment aspects. The present study uniquely identified impact of IL on PIM practices of working electronic media journalists.

Assessment of Information Literacy Abilities: A Case Study of Pakistan

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022

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.

Information literacy in the legal workplace: Current state of lawyers’ skills in Pakistan

Article

Mar 2022
J LIBR INF SCI

This study investigated the current state of information literacy (IL) skills among lawyers practicing at the District Bar Association of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire was conducted to collect data from 297 lawyers. The questionnaire comprised 20 statements related to information literacy along with certain demographic variables. Each lawyer was personally visited in the assigned chamber by one of the researchers to record responses. Both descriptive (frequencies, percentages, mean scores, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance) were applied for data analysis in SPSS. The results showed that a large majority of lawyers participating in the survey never received any formal training concerning information literacy. However, most of these lawyers perceived IL skills as important in the context of their workplace especially in conducting legal research. These lawyers were more competent in the basic IL skills and less competent in advanced IL skills. In addition, the lawyers’ age, practical experience, practicing levels, computer proficiency, and English Language proficiency predicted their levels of IL skills. There was a critical need for the development of IL instruction programs for not only practicing lawyers but also for law students to improve their skills since these lawyers felt less competent with advanced levels of IL skills. It is hoped that the present study contributes to the existing body of WIL literature focusing especially on the role of IL in the context of legal work and outlining the current state of lawyers’ IL skills in Pakistan as no such study has appeared so far.

Do they perform what they perceive? Examining the IL skills of Pakistani Scientists

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2021

This study aimed at assessing the difference between perceived and actual IL skills of scientists [research students]. In this descriptive correlational study, two scales were developed using ACRL standards for IL of science and engineering/ technology. A self-reporting scale for the evaluation of perceived IL skills and an MCQs-based tool for testing actual IL skills was administered concurrently among research students (M.Sc. MS/ M.Phil./ Ph.D.) of science disciplines of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore and University of the Punjab (PU) Lahore. The findings revealed that the participants had overstated their perceived IL skills as they had showed poor performance in their test of actual IL skills. Thus, the results of paired sample t-test did not show calibration between perceived and actual IL skills of research students. The study had found the Dunning-Kruger effect on the perceived and actual IL skills of research students. The findings showed insignificant gender differences on perceived and actual IL skills of research students; however, the overestimation was found higher among females than their counterpart male research students regarding both IL skills. Similarly, PU’s research students had performed better than UET’s research students in test of actual IL skills. This is the first study that has tested actual IL skills of research students using an MCQ-based scale in Pakistan. The study has contextualized ACRL standards to identify overestimation between perceived and actual IL skills in science disciplines, i.e. a significant contribution in literature of information science. The outcomes of this study may help the library and information professionals, higher educational institutes, and related organizations to be engaged in teaching, designing and delivering IL instructions and programs. This study may also be helpful for academic researchers in articulating and contextualizing ACRL standards for the assessment of actual IL skills.

How Do Faculty Members Rate Students’ Information Literacy Skills and Where Do Students Rank Themselves? A Pakistani Perspective

Article

Jan 2021

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.

Assessing Undergraduate and Post Graduate Students’ Information Literacy Skills: Scenario and Requirements in Pakistan

Article

Aug 2021

Muhammad Safdar

This study was conducted to assess information literacy (IL) skills of post graduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) students, of one of the premier universities at the national level of Pakistan. It was also intended to explore the students’ opinion about the need of information literacy program and related contents. Quantitative research approach was employed to conduct the study and survey method using structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from 400 respondents using convenient sampling technique. Results of the study revealed that majority of the respondents lacked information literacy skills. However, the major part of the respondents considered the information literacy program to be of value to meet their research and academic needs. Study also shares participants’ recommendations regarding required contents for IL program. This is the study from Pakistan that has been conducted on one of the high ranked Pakistani universities’ students to assess their IL skills and requirements in this aspect. This paper might help students, institutions and library professionals understand the existing scenario of students’ IL skills which may play a vital role in planning to improve the students’ IL skills and designing IL course.

Information literacy self-efficacy of scientists

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2021
INFORM RES

Dr-Muhammad Asif Naveed

Introduction. This study reports the results of a cross-sectional survey conducted to assess the information literacy self-efficacy of scientists working at the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lahore, Pakistan. Method. Survey method using a questionnaire was employed for data collection. The questionnaire containing information literacy self-efficacy scale and some demographic variables was personally administered to all the scientists at the Lahore labs complex of the Council. The response rate was 86.42%. Both descriptive as well as inferential statistics were applied for data analysis using SPSS. Analysis. Descriptive (frequencies, percentages, mean scores, standard deviations) as well as inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance) were applied for data analysis. Results. The results indicated that the scientists assessed themselves as ‘often true’ for overall information literacy self-efficacy scale and its sub-dimensions. However, item-based analysis revealed that these scientists were less comfortable in utilizing advanced level information literacy skills. In addition, the age, sex, academic qualification, research experience, number of research publications, and instruction received appeared to be the predictor of self-efficacy. Conclusions. Since the scientists were less competent in advanced level information literacy skills, efforts should be focused on improving their self-efficacy. There is a critical need for user-centered instruction programmes for in-service as well as for future scientists. This study would make a worthy contribution to the existing research on workplace information literacy as no such study was found addressing the context of working scientists.

Information Literacy of Polish Students in Social Sciences and Humanities

Article

Sep 2018

PURPOSE/THESIS: The aim was to study information competencies of Polish students of library and information science (LIS), history and journalism with two aspects taken into consideration: students' belief regarding the importance (BIM) of a set of core information competencies, and their self-efficacy (SE) in this field. APPROACH/METHODS: The IL-HUMASS questionnaire, slightly modified, was used. It consists of 26 information literacy aspects divided into four areas: information retrieval, evaluation and processing, and communication skills. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal, on one hand, some common attitudes apparently associated with students' current life phase. On the other hand, some differences emerged that can be connected with the field and character of the study. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The results enable a preliminary evaluation of information literacy of the students in different study fields, as well as the comparison of their attitudes and skills to those of the respondents of similar foreign projects. ZIN – Zagadnienia Informacji Naukowej. Studia Informacyjne

Online Information Searching Skills of Business Students

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Dec 2018

This study investigates the perceived level and sources of learning Online Information Searching (OIS) skills of the students of business studies. The study also explores the differences in the students' searching skill level of information resources, based on their selected personal and academic variables including gender, age, type of university, level of degree and major academic subjects. A cross-sectional survey research method was used to collect data on a self-reporting questionnaire. Business students of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels from 24 public and private sector universities of Lahore, Pakistan were selected through convenient sampling technique. Total population of this study was 114,500. With the margin error of 5% and confidence level of 97%, the sample of this study was 470 students. The study found a satisfactory level of students' searching skills. There was no significant difference in the skills based on various variables like gender, age, type of university and level of degree. However, short courses and training workshops had a positive impact on the level of skills. There is a lack of research on the topic and this paper will fill the gap in existing literature. This study will be helpful for Library Information Service (LIS) academicians, librarians, professional associations and LIS trainers to design and implement training programs for university students in the area of OIS. This study will also be helpful for Higher Education Commission (HEC) national digital library for selection of appropriate databases for business students.

Online Information Searching Skills of Business Students

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Dec 2018

Information Literacy Instruction: An Overview of Research and Professional Development in Pakistan

Conference Paper

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Oct 2016

This paper aims to present an overview of information literacy (IL) instruction in Pakistan from the following perspectives: research literature produced; IL instruction as a credit course at LIS schools; and continuing professional development (CPD) activities for information professionals. This study was based on a review of the literature on IL, a survey of LIS schools, searching through the electronic messages archives of the professional groups, and exchange of information with peers. The findings revealed that 13 research papers were published on IL from Pakistan. Out of 12 LIS schools, four offered a 3-credit hour course on IL instruction at the Masters level. Continuing professional development opportunities were limited in Pakistan. A few university libraries just started formal IL programs. We recommended that IL be included in the curriculum at all LIS schools. Research studies on different aspects of IL must be conducted. LIS schools and associations must prepare the professionals to run IL instruction programs.

Effect of Train-Driving Simulator Practice in the European Rail Traffic Management System: An Experimental Study

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Nov 2022
TRANSPORT RES REC

Many European train drivers face major changes in their work with the introduction of the new train-protection system, the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), as information retrieval shifts from outside to in-cab, and a new rulebook is introduced. Therefore, many train drivers have to be educated in a short time, to make the transition safe and efficient. The purpose was to find out how a successful ERTMS practice can be designed in a physically low-fidelity but highly functional train-driving simulator. An experimental design was used, with 16 drivers divided into two groups: one group practiced in a simulator, and the other in reality. Standard training methodology was used, and the learning outcome was assessed by both measuring driving errors and via instructor evaluation of a simulator test. The drivers also filled in a questionnaire to capture how different factors, such as repeated practice, experience, and self-estimated confidence, correlate with performance. Results show that the simulator group committed significantly fewer driving errors and received significantly higher scores from the instructor. In addition, the simulator group's better performance is mostly caused by the possibility of repeated training of different special cases. The findings also imply that several of the more common special cases on the ERTMS can hardly be provoked in real train driving. Furthermore, this work strengthens the theory that novices can hardly estimate their own ability. Therefore, we argue that this type of low-fidelity simulator is well suited for research purposes, for practicing special cases, and for train operation companies to assess drivers' skills.

Information Literacy among Faculty members in the Public Sector Medical Colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan

Article

Aug 2022

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.

ICT4NDS 2018 Proceedings Body

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Apr 2018

This study proposes a smart payroll integrated with a task manager based on scrum process model. Requirement engineering was thoroughly conducted to ascertain functional, non-function, expected, exciting and normal requirements. Uniform Modelling Language was used for the modelling of the software architecture, deployment diagram, Swimlanes, sequence diagram and use case for the smart payroll integrated with task manager. Scrum is the adopted methodology for the software development. The smart payroll integrated with task manager extended a previous work where reports for employee time and attendance was developed based on scrum without payroll and task manager. The study has the potential to promote local content software development based on the state of the art software development process model with capability to compete with foreign software in the Nigeria software market and beyond.

The Assessment of Information Literacy skills among Faculty members of the Medical Colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan

Article

Jul 2022

Saeed Ullah Jan

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.

Information Literacy Skills of LIS Students in Pakistan: A study of University of Sargodha and University of the Punajab, Lahore

Article

May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the perceived level of IL skills, strength, weakness, challenges, and levels of IL programs attended by ILS students of two leading library schools of Pakistan. This research used descriptive survey method and distributed questionnaire among 330 participants which returned 232 complete usable responses. This study found that participants of both LIS schools perceived good level of IL skills while the majority of them prefer internet sources as they possess adequate internet surfing skills. In addition to challenges the large number of participants lacks knowledge and skills to use computer and personal computer (M = 2.71, SD = 1.245) and (M = 2.84, SD = 1.439). Whereas, the results of IL program attended depicted that majority of participants obtained low mean of (M = 2.76, SD = .985) to (M = 2.57, SD = .991). This study concludes that students of both IL schools were performing well with regard to their IL skills even though there is a dire need for advance level of IL instructions and embedded IL course integration at all a level of degree programs to equipped students with necessary skills.

An Assessment of the Information Literacy Skills of Students in Nigerian Universities

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May 2021

Joseph Chukwusa

The Study investigated the information literacy skills of Library and Information Science students in Delta State University, Abraka and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Information literacy instruction is yet to be accorded its correct place in the programmes of study in higher educational institutions. The study adopted a survey approach and a questionnaire structure on a 3-point Likert scale was used for data collection. The sample for the study was 148 (300 level) students. Frequency count and mean statistics were used for data analysis. It was found that the library and information students were information literate, but the researcher was not unmindful of Dunning-Kruger Effect on this finding. Inability of departments to make Information Literacy a compulsory course (100L - final year) for students and inability of lecturers to give students complex take home work (term papers, assignments, seminars) that could be used for the assessment of their information literacy skills were the greatest challenges. The solutions to the problems amongst others are Faculty members and librarians teaching the course should be more pragmatic in course delivery having standards and contemporary trends in mind; and adequate financial provision to libraries in order to enable constant organization of literacy programmes.

Effect of Group Mentoring on Virtual Library Skills of Secondary School Students

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Feb 2022

Chiedu Eseadi

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of group mentoring on the virtual library skills of senior secondary school students. The study used a two-group pretest-posttest design to study a sample of senior secondary school students from a Nigerian public secondary school (10 students were enrolled for the group mentoring program and 10 others were waitlisted). Data for this study were collected using the Students' Virtual Library Skills Scale. Compared to their wait-list control group counterparts, senior secondary school students who received group mentoring showed a greater ability to gain virtual library skills. Studies that aim to impart virtual library skills to senior secondary school students will be vital, especially as these students prepare to enter institutions of higher education, where such skills will be essential for their academic success.

Perceived Information Literacy Skills among University Students at AzadJammu&Kashmir

Article

Dec 2021

The present study was conducted with an aim to determine the perceived information literacy skills among university students at Azad Jammu & Kashmir. A survey research design was used to collect data from the participants. The population of this study was post-graduate students enrolled in public sector universities of AJ&K. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. A statistical package for social sciences (SPSS-20) was used for the analysis of data. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation, and the inferential statistic was used to determine relationships among variables. The result of the study found that the majority of the respondents have ability to recognize, understand, locate, evaluate, use, communicate, and manage required information (M=3.77). However, few of them were facing difficulties, while using digital information resources due to poor ICT skills (M=3.62). The results of the study also revealed that a good number of information resources were available in university libraries but they were not properly utilized due to a lack of information literacy skills (M=3.56). Lack of information literacy training and workshops were the main barriers faced by respondents while acquiring information literacy skills (M=3.56). Moreover, it was found that a statistically significant relationship (P= .000) exists between the age of the respondents and their information literacy skills. This shows that the age of the respondents and information literacy skills were correlated with each other. The significance value (P=.001) indicated that the gender of the respondents and their level of information literacy skills were also correlated. Further, the statistical value (P=. 218) indicated that the level of degree and information literacy skills of respondents were not correlated.

Self Assessment on Students' Digital Competency in Academic Writing Course in Papua Context

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Jan 2020

Martha Betaubun

Riding the wave of information: library professionals’ opinion towards information literacy (IL) program in academic libraries of Pakistan

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2021

The present study investigated status, strategies to promote the IL programs, contribution of social media, and challenges to provide IL programs in the academic libraries of Pakistan. A concurrent mixed-method technique was used and a structured questionnaire was designed to collect the data and in-depth interviews from 12 academic librarians of the capital cities of four provinces of Pakistan. A systematic sampling technique was used to collect the data from library professionals. The results reveal that academic libraries took imitative to launch IL programs at academic libraries of Pakistan but there is a need for improvement and revamp them. The findings show that library orientation and tours are considered the most useable methods. Digital literacy skills are deadly required to launch an effective IL program. Therefore, library professionals are required to enhance their ICT skills to deliver quality and effective IL programs. A number of gaps were also identified such as; absence of IL policy, lack of training and workshops, and the failure of library professionals to promote IL programs among the user community. In the present scenario, it is suggested that library professionals, library associations, and the Pakistani government should pay attention to formulating a national-level IL policy that will be implemented unanimously in all libraries.

A Comparative Study on Information Literacy Skills of LIS Students in University of the Punjab and Sargodha University

Thesis

Full-text available

Nov 2021

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

Relationship between students’ information literacy skills and availability of digital information resources in universities library of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Article

Jan 2021

Muhammad Ramzan

The present study was conducted with an aim to determine the relationship between students’ information literacy skills and availability information resources in universities library of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. A survey research design was used to collect data from the participants. The population of this study were post-graduate students enrolled in public sector universities of AJ&K. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. A statistical package for social sciences (SPSS-20) was used for the analysis of data. The descriptive statistics was used to determine percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistic was used to determine relationship among variables. The results of the study revealed that a good number of information resources were available in university libraries but they were not properly utilized due to lack of information literacy skills (M=3.56). Lack of information literacy training and workshops were the main barriers faced by respondents while acquiring information literacy skills (M=3.56). Moreover, it was found that a statistical significant relationship (P= .000) exists between age of the respondents and their information literacy skills. Which shows that age of the respondents and information literacy skills were correlated with each other. The results of study also revealed that information literacy skills of respondents were correlated with age, gender, and availability of digital information resources. Further, the statistical value (P=. 218) indicated that level of degree and information literacy skills of respondents were not correlated.

The Interplay between Digital Competencies and Information Literacy in Academic Writing Online Class during COVID-19 Pandemic (PLS-SEM Approach)

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2021

Lastika Ary Prihandoko

Due to insufficient academic literacy competency, which consists of information literacy and digital competency, students face online learning barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, in the 21st-century learning framework, digital competency has considered as an essential skill. This study examines the interplay between mastery of hardware & software, digital cooperation, digital security, mastery of digital development, and digital skills toward information literacy. They were randomly selected as respondents was a sample of 258 students from the ESP class who took academic writing in Papua's university. The data was analyzed using Smart PLS 3.0.0. in order to conduct exploratory factor analysis. The results show that digital competency correlates positively with digital cooperation, digital security, and digital development mastery. Meanwhile, hardware and software mastery have a positive association with digital cooperation. In addition, digital competency has positive correlation toward information literacy. The implications for academic staff and policymakers of the findings of this study are presented.Keywords: Exploratory Factor Analysis, Digital Competency, Information Literacy, Academic Writing, COVID-19

Measuring the Awareness and Usage Level of the Libraries by Measuring the Awareness and Usage Level of the Libraries by Law Students of Law Colleges of Lahore, Pakistan Law Students of Law Colleges of Lahore, Pakistan

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2021

In any society and institution the libraries play an important role in nation building and to create knowledgeable society. Law students during their whole life try to read and locate the relevant references related to their cases. Therefore, they are considered the information literate and able to locate the relevant information. During the studies, libraries and their professional usage make the law students able to locate their needed information from anywhere using their skills and abilities acquired during the studies. This study is conducted by following the quantitative research method and the population of the study was law students. Results reflect that majority of law students are aware of the available resources within their institutional libraries and they possess the skills to locate their needed information. Moreover, their purpose to the visit the libraries is the study purposes and they have basic level information needs. They also use digital resources and able to search the resources with good skills. This study will inform about the information behaviors of the law students.

Self-Assessment on Information Literacy Competency of Students in Indonesia-Papua New Guinea Border Area During The COVID-19 Epidemic

Conference Paper

Jan 2021

Lastika Ary Prihandoko

The relationship between high school GPA and information literacy pre and post-test scores

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020

Eric Shannon

Although many studies explore the effect of library instruction on information literacy test scores, there are far fewer studies exploring the relationship between high school Grade Point Average (GPA) and scores on information literacy pre- and post-tests of first year college students. This research study compares the scores of three cohorts of Franklin Pierce University students--honors students, Center Scholars (students with a cumulative high school GPA of below 2.5) and Average GPA students --on an information literacy pre-test administered in the first two weeks of the fall, and a similar post-test administered after students have attended a library instruction session. The results of this study show a relationship between high school GPA and pre-test scores and reveal an even stronger relationship between high school GPA and scores on the post-test, with honors students attaining the highest scores and Center Scholars the lowest. This article proposes explanations for these results as well as recommendations for addressing the test score disparities between these three cohorts.

Urban Railway Connection: Opportunities, Challenges, Development Opportunities

Article

Jul 2020

Tâm Nguyễn Đức

Information Literacy Instructions in University Libraries of Lahore, Pakistan: Practices and Methods

Article

Nov 2020

Information literacy (IL) is an essential skill and play a vital role in active participation in the modern society. It is an information and a variety of skills that enable people to know when information is needed and to have the talent to accurately identify, analyse and utilize the information needed. It is knowledge and expertise of individuals to recognize when information is needed and to have the capacity to locate, assess, interpret and use effectively the needed information. This study intended to investigate the IL practices and methods used by professional librarians in university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. A quantitative method based on a descriptive research design was used. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey method. The population of the study contained 30 HEC recognized universities (11 public and 19 private) of Lahore. A sample of thirty head librarians was selected as participants for the study and coverd through census survey. The questionnaire developed by Ullah and Ameen (2015) was adapted according to the need of the study. The reliability value of the scale was α =.092. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. The results of the study indicated that most of the academic libraries were using a basic level of information literacy practices. The preferred delivery method of IL instructions was hands-on practice as most of the librarians were conducting IL sessions with the help of computer applications. Results further revealed that professional librarians at government and non-government sector university libraries of Lahore had the same perception regarding the effectiveness of IL instruction methods. The study recommended that universities should integrate IL instructions at all levels as credit or non-credit courses to help students to become life-long and independent learners.

Information literacy self-efficacy within a medical curriculum : research conducted in 2011-2016 at Ghent University

Thesis

Jan 2018

Ann De Meulemeester

Considering the rapid pace of progress in medicine, the medical profession should definitely be aware of the importance of lifelong learning. Information literacy self-efficacy (ILSE) plays a crucial role in the development of lifelong learning. Therefore, curriculum developers and medical educators need to have a good understanding of ILSE, in order to decide when to integrate specific support and training in their curricula. This PhD dissertation investigates the conditions for an effective training of information literacy skills in the context of an academic medical curriculum. The research analyses the evolution of the ILSE for all medical students at Ghent University (Belgium) from 2011-2016. To evaluate medical students’ ILSE, the research aimed at developing a validated and usable measurement tool: an ILSE scale to be used in a medical curriculum. An existing standardized scale (ILSES) was enriched with ten specific medical items and validated within a 6-year medical curriculum. The new scale, the Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale for Medicine (ILSES-M), consists of 5 subscales labelled as: ‘Evaluating and Processing Information’; ‘Medical Information Literacy Skills’; ‘Searching and Finding Information’, ‘Using the Library’ and ‘Bibliography’, all well-defined information literacy skills. To investigate the effectiveness of the ILSES-M, the scale was tested on a longitudinal basis (to measure the development of medical students’ ILSE), and in a specific educational case (integrated information literacy course in the first year) pre-and post-intervention ILSE scores were analysed. In both cases, the ILSES-M appeared to be a reliable tool, e.g. for formulating recommendations to integrate information literacy training in the curriculum. This research recommends a vertical integration of information literacy into medical curricula: a continuous development of information literacy skills throughout the programme, by activating and stimulating the actual use of these skills. Different implementations are clearly needed to enhance students’ learning. The longitudinal study shows that when there is no real use of the skills, the ILSE decreases. Pre- and post-interventions show that integrating a ‘search-report’ increases the development of ILSE and that adding a peer review is positive for the ILSE in relation to the medical information literacy skills. In general, student’s ILSE increases overall in more recent academic years. The development towards more specialised information literacy skills prove to influence students’ awareness and thus self-efficacy. Furthermore, training and guidance need to be integrated at appropriate times and should be adapted at the level of information literacy skills appropriate in the learning process.

Multilateral Relationship between Information Literacy, Self-Concept and Metacognitive Ability

Chapter

Full-text available

Aug 2019

This study examined information literacy, metacognitive abilities and self-concept capabilities. The evaluation of this research indicated that self-concept is the totality of psychological, emotional, psychosomatic and mental development that provide confidence to individual in the ability to search, use, appraise and assess information resources, which are critical qualities needed to enable information literacy; an individual needs to be conscious and develop aptitude to identify useful information. Metacognitive ability is important because of the age of information overload which an individual is overwhelmed with which signified that information available is exceeding processing capacity of an average individual. Accordingly, once information overload ensues, it is possible that a decrease or decline in quality of decision-making will happen. In view of this, metacogni-tive ability becomes necessary in order to equip people with the critical ability to contemplate rigorously before action is taken. The objective of this research is to embark on content analysis of the subject matter of information literacy, metacog-nitive abilities and self-concept in which existing research was thoroughly evaluated in order to identify gap in research and bring out new knowledge. This research uses qualitative content analysis as a method of data collection in which existing journals and other information resources were evaluated. Research has been silenced on the triangular relationship of metacognitive ability, self-concept and information literacy, that is, the gap this research attempt to bridge.

Exploring the postgraduate students' perceptions, usefulness and effectiveness of information literacy skills at University of Malaya library

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2019

Impact of Purposefully Designed Learning Activities in the Case of Information Literacy Self-Efficacy: 6th European Conference, ECIL 2018, Oulu, Finland, September 24–27, 2018, Revised Selected Papers

Chapter

Full-text available

Jan 2019

Objectives: Developing information literacy skills of medical students is one of the basic skills to become lifelong learners. Method: The study focuses on the development of a first year integrated information literacy course for medical students during three consecutive years. Students filled in a validated information literacy self-efficacy scale for medicine at the beginning and at the end of the course. Results: Integrating a search-report has a significant positive effect. For ‘Medical information literacy skills’, a positive difference is found for the academic year in which a peer review was introduced. Integrating personal experience has an undeniable impact and should be stimulated in the educational design in higher education. Performing a peer review impacts information literacy self-efficacy related to the specific medical information literacy skills and should be further integrated in the course. Teachers need to evaluate the impact of course development continuously, as not all adaptations always have the expected impact.

A contextual framework for primary education: fostering information literacy in Pakistan

Article

Dec 2018

Purpose This study aims to contribute theoretically in the information literacy (IL) literature by presenting process-based framework at the primary education level. This study also investigated school children’s information-related tasks, their favored information sources and IL skills. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized qualitative research approach and multiple nested sequential case study design to explore the phenomenon. Findings The majority of children from public, private trust and unregistered schools were unable to present, organize, use and understand main ideas of given information. However, the elite economic class school children had good IL skills with few exceptions. Based on research findings, a process-based IL framework has been proposed at the primary education level. Research limitations/implications The present study proposed a process-based IL framework which has practical implications for parents, librarians, teachers and policymakers. Originality/value The paper is based on doctoral research which is of significance to information professionals and educators.

An Analysis of Women Faculty Attitudes, Perceptions and Experiences of Information Access Competency

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2018

The paper aims to present the awareness of library rules, use of library services and information access competency of the women faculty members (Mother Teresa Women’s University and its affiliated colleges) was investigated for their opinions and experiences about assorted techniques of information access. Data were collected through questionnaire method. Copies of the questionnaires were distributed to 87.59% of population i.e. 254 out of 290 women faculty members in their staff rooms with the permission and assistance of the registrar/principal. This study showed that 242 (95.2%) respondents agree/strongly agree that ‘they can access printed and electronic reference sources’. 235 (92.5%) respondents agree/strongly agree that ‘they can read the text and understand the main idea from the text’. 210 (82.7%) respondents agree/strongly agree that ‘they can restate the text in their own words and present data accurately’. While 83% (213) of the respondents agree/strongly agree that ‘they can identify similar information from both print and electronic resources’, This study was conducted on a single group and in a certain academic institutions namely Mother Teresa Women’s University and its affiliated colleges. Therefore findings and conclusions may not be applicable and reasonable to be generalized for all the groups i.e. guest lectures and teaching assistants. This study empirically validated the ten information access competency variables. The study also investigated the faculty age and experience, in addition to education level and academic discipline, as new affects.

Do People Overestimate Their Information Literacy Skills? A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence on the Dunning-Kruger Effect

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2016

Khalid Mahmood

This systematic review has analyzed 53 studies that assessed and compared peoples' self-reported and demonstrated information literacy skills. The objective was to collect empirical evidence on the existence of Dunning-Kruger Effect in the area of information literacy. The findings clearly show that this theory works in this area. It is concluded that there is no calibration in peoples' perceived and actual IL skills. In most of the cases, low-performers overestimate their skills in self-assessments. The findings have theoretical and practical implications for librarians and IL educators.

Search Strategy, Self-Concept and Metacognitive Skills of Secondary School Teachers in Selected Cities in Nigeria and South Africa

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2017

Information Literacy (IL) is fundamental for lifelong learning, especially for the teaching profession, where information is critical for imparting knowledge to students who are expected to be creative, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. The study investigates the search strategy, self-concept and metacognitive skills of secondary school teachers in selected cities in Nigeria and South Africa. The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm combining both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies largely through a multi- case study research design. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis that included a literature review. The target population was secondary school teachers in Lagos and Durban. The sample for the research was drawn from teachers in government secondary schools in Lagos and Durban. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in the first stage to purposively select samples from the two cities of Lagos and Durban in order to make comparisons. The second stage involved stratified random sampling, and the third stage applied simple random sampling. Literature analysis and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) were used to inform the study. The study revealed the following: (i) teachers in Durban had a higher level of perception of the need for information literacy than their counterparts in Lagos; (ii) electronic information resources were infrequently used by the teachers; (iii) younger teachers tended to possess a higher level of information literacy than their older colleagues, which proves why in-service training is imperative; (iv) female teachers were significantly more information literate than their male counterparts; (v) many of the school libraries seem to have been afterthoughts, and the specifications for library building and planning were not observed as itemized by IFLA library building guidelines; and (vi) interaction and collaboration between teachers and librarians was limited. Recommendations have been made regarding how the issues and challenges could be addressed and solved with IL policy and work shopping of teachers for IL.

Do People Overestimate Their Information Literacy Skills? A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence on the Dunning-Kruger Effect

Article

Dec 2016

Khalid Mahmood

This systematic review has analyzed 53 English language studies that assessed and compared peoples’ self-reported and demonstrated information literacy (IL) skills. The objective was to collect empirical evidence on the existence of Dunning-Kruger Effect in the area of information literacy. The findings clearly show that this theory works in this area. It is concluded that there is no calibration in peoples’ perceived and actual IL skills; in most cases low-performers overestimate their skills in self-assessments. The findings have theoretical and practical implications for librarians and IL educators.

The association between financial literacy confidence and financial satisfaction

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2022

Purpose This study examines the association between financial literacy confidence and financial satisfaction. The authors posit that overconfident poor performers will experience greater levels of financial satisfaction and underconfident high performers will experience lower levels of financial satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Based on the results of an objective financial literacy assessment and a subjective financial literacy assessment, variables measuring study participants' financial literacy overconfidence and financial literacy underconfidence are constructed. The variables are analyzed for their associations with financial satisfaction. Findings The results from the multivariate analysis suggest that financial literacy overconfidence (underconfidence) is associated positively (negatively) with higher levels of financial satisfaction and is associated negatively (positively) with lower levels of financial satisfaction. Practical implications The discussion first highlights that to increase objective financial literacy, the disconnect between subjective financial literacy assessment and objective financial literacy must be recognized. Secondly, the discussion encourages financial literacy and education programs to incorporate behavioral education, which can provide learners with an awareness of the role of financial literacy confidence when making financial decisions. Originality/value Financial literacy overconfidence can result in an inability to recognize the realities of one's financial situation. Individuals who are overconfident in their level of financial literacy preformed lower on an objective assessment of their financial literacy, yet also tended to have a greater sense of financial satisfaction. This finding not only suggests that financial literacy overconfidence results in financial ineptitude, but also suggest that financial literacy overconfidence can result in specious conclusions regarding one's financial situation. The financial literacy underconfidence finding suggests that those who are financial literate, and who are also underconfident in their financial literacy, are less likely to have high financial satisfaction.

Information Literacy Awareness, Perception and Skills Assessment Using Students of National Open University in Southwest Nigeria

Article

Jul 2014

This study was carried out to find out the level of information literacy (IL) awareness, perception and skills of students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). It was based on the fact that IL instruction course is missing in the curriculum of NOUN, thus, it is therefore a necessity to ascertain awareness and perception levels of the students about IL issues well as their skills assessment test. Survey research method was adopted involving 197 respondents that were found during visits to the four study centres for data collection. Questionnaire was used for data collection, which was administered, properly filled, returned, and used for data analysis with descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that NOUN students have poor level of awareness and perception about IL, as a result of rejection level in seven out of ten statements. However, the other accepted three see IL issues as antidote to poor IL skills of students. Generally, the IL assessment test shows that a greater percentage of the students, when summed together lack IL skills. Avenues through which they acquired IL skills were analysed as well as the challenges affecting their IL skills development. Recommendations were made among which are integration of IL Instruction into the curriculum of NOUN and provision of adequate and functional human, infrastructural and information resources for result-oriented service delivery in the libraries.

Patterns of Differentiation of Students’ Competencies: A Comparative Study

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2020
COLL RES LIBR

The study focuses on the issue of how much information competencies are universal in the globalized, internet-connected world, and/or to what extent their perception depends on local conditions and individual needs. The aim of the project is threefold. First, it offers a comparative analysis of the information literacy skills of Polish and Spanish students, regarding both their self-assessment and belief in the importance of information literacy. Second, it focuses on differences and unique IL needs of students of courses rooted in social sciences and/or humanities. And third, due to these differences, it discusses the role of academic librarians in profiled IL training, integrated with the specific courses. Quantitative methodology was applied. The comparative study covered subgroups of humanities and social science students from Poland and Spain. Competencies in information searching, processing, evaluation, and communication/dissemination were taken into account. The results indicate some common ways of perception of valuing information competencies and major differences in assessment of IL self-efficacy. Students’ reluctance to visit libraries is another argument to enhance profiled IL training being realized in close cooperation of academic librarians and the faculty.

Teaching information literacy skills to medical students: perceptions of health sciences librarians

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2019

Background: This paper is the second part of a two phase, sequential mixed method study. Objectives: To get the views of medical librarians in Pakistan regarding information literacy (IL) skills of medical students and how to teach them IL skills. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 20 medical librarians in Pakistan. We audio recorded, transcribed all the interviews and performed content analysis and coding of the textual data. We presented the emerging themes with the frequency of their appearance. Results: Interviewees agreed that the IL skills of their students were inadequate. Participants suggested that librarians should train students through mandatory IL instruction programmes, designed in coordination with medical faculty. However, workshops/seminars were considered the most effective IL delivery methods for medical faculty and clinicians. The majority of respondents supported the integration of IL instruction into the curriculum as an independent and credit course. Discussion: Teaching IL skills to medical students requires proper planning. Therefore, librarians have to prove their place within the curricular structure of the institution and develop understanding of the pedagogy of instruction. Conclusion: Librarians must collaborate with faculty to train students in advanced information skills. There is a need to integrate IL instruction into the curriculum at all levels.

INVESTIGATING THE PERCEIVED USEFULNESS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME AT UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA LIBRARY

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2016

Adamu Mohammed

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which the undergraduate students who attended the information literacy skills training program at University of Malaya's library perceived the training program to be useful as well as effective in their attempts to complete the course requirements in their respective disciplines. Design/methodology/approach: In order to evaluate the perceived usefulness of ILSTP and effectiveness of ILSTP, two scales were adopted from the existing literature on information literacy skills training program. Self-report instruments comprising the two scales as well as demographic items were incorporated into the online questionnaire. Findings: Findings from the Mann-Whitney U test, conducted on each of the two (2) dependent variables with the gender as independent variable, did not record statistically significant mean rank difference in both perceived usefulness and perceived effectiveness of ILSTP between male and female respondents. The results of running a Kruskal-Wallis test on each of the two (2) dependent variables with the level of study as independent variable also did not record any statistically significant mean rank difference in both perceived usefulness and perceived effectiveness of ILSTP between first year, second year, third year, and fourth-and-above year of study. A Spearman's rho correlation test was performed to examine the relationship between perceived usefulness and perceived effectiveness of ILSTP. The results showed a statistically significant mean positive and large correlation between perceived usefulness of ILSTP and perceived effectiveness of ILSTP (n = 224, rho = .72, p < .001). Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected. Originality/value: It is hope that the management and library instructors of the University of Malaya should conduct a regular assessment of the usefulness and effectiveness of information literacy skills training program (ILSTP) among those who attended the training program in order to know whether the training program is perceived to be useful as well as effective in completing their courses requirements. This can help the library staff to improve their teaching services.

Students' perceptions of their information literacy skills: The confidence gap between male and female international graduate students

Article

Feb 2017
J ACAD LIBR

In the 2015 Summer Session I, the information literacy team combined two instruments, the Information Literacy Assessment (ILA) and the Students' Perceptions of Their Information Literacy Skills Questionnaire (SPIL-Q), into one survey and distributed it to the college's international graduate students through a Google Form. It was distributed to 932 international graduate students, and 172 valid respondents completed the survey. The purpose of this research was to compare the confidence gap in information literacy skills between men and women, particularly in international graduate students. Data collected illustrated that female international business students (n = 70) tended to be slightly more confident than their male counterparts (n = 102) regarding their perceived information literacy skills as evidenced by their SPIL-Q average score across all six IL topics, 3.78, vs. male student's average score of 3.58.

Perceptions of Faculty about Information Literacy Skills of Postgraduate Engineering Students

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2015
Int Inform Libr Rev

Purpose: This study identifies perceptions of faculty about the current level of information literacy (IL) skills of engineering students in higher education in Pakistan. It may help to design better IL programs for the tertiary level students. Methodology: The study used ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Science and Engineering/Technology as the basis to assess these perceptions. Teachers of the National University of Science & Technology (NUST), who were teaching engineering students of postgraduate level, were selected as population. A structured questionnaire was sent to 113 faculty members and the response remained 80 percent. Paired samples t-test was used for data analysis through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: Research indicates that faculty perceived IL skills of their PhD level students higher than those of MS level students. Originality: The term “Information literacy” is yet new on the Pakistani library scene. Regarding perceptions of faculty about information literacy skills of their students so far no study has been carried out in Pakistan. This study will help to identify existing IL skills of Pakistani students of university level, their requirements and how these requirements can be best fulfilled.

Assessment of Information Literacy Skills among Science Students of Andhra University

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2011

Information literacy (IL) plays a prominent role in the knowledge based society; especially effective use of IT based services and collaborative learning in the various levels of the educational system. This paper presents the findings of a survey on the level of information skills among the students of higher education. The scope of the study covers various aspects like awareness about the use of library resources, both print and electronic; knowledge about various sources of information including Internet; familiarity with and use of information communication technologies and copyright and fair use of information, etc.

Student-Centered Library Instruction: An Assessment of Online Graduate Students’ Information Literacy Skills and Needs. In Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2011 (pp. 2002-2009). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jan 2011

With the increasing number of online programs offered by institutions of higher education, it is important to find ways to provide information literacy instruction to support off-campus students and to help them succeed in such programs. With the aim of designing instruction appropriate to the needs and existing skills of online graduate students in an Ed.D. program, a needs assessment of their information literacy skills was conducted before they began the online program. The results were used to design library instruction intended to fill the gaps in graduate students’ information literacy skills and research abilities. Asynchronous and synchronous instruction was provided to address students’ preferred learning methods.

Information skills of undergraduate business students: A comparison of UK and international students

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2004
Libr Manag

Summarises the results of a study aimed at measuring the information skills of UK and international students pursuing an undergraduate course in business studies. Investigates the hypothesis that international students studying in the UK might be disadvantaged as a consequence of their different educational backgrounds. The recent higher education curriculum shift towards a more learning-centred approach and an emphasis on independent learning means that information skills are now far more fundamental to a student’s survival and success. No significant difference between the information skills of UK and international students was found. Only about one-quarter of students performed well on the test, while three-quarters had inadequate information skills. The majority of students feel negative or neutral towards library and information skills – with international students having a more positive attitude than home students. One of the main sources of negative attitudes cited was the inability to find information without help.

Assessing information literacy competency of Information Science and Library Management graduate students of Dhaka University

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2010

The aim of this study is to assess the information literacy competency of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) graduate students at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and to determine their strengths and weaknesses. In general it was found that students had limited skills in the area of information literacy, as it is not discussed extensively in their academic course curriculum. This study urges the incorporation of an information literacy programme in the course curriculum, and more writing, discussion and other relevant issues that will make the students more information literate.

Undergraduate Perceptions of Information Literacy: Defining, Attaining, and Self-Assessing Skills

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2009
COLL RES LIBR

This investigation uses interview data on student conceptions of and experiences with interacting with information. In addition, student scores on the Information Literacy Test (ILT) provide data that allow for comparison of student perceptions to their level of information literacy as measured by a standardized test. A relational approach, informed by competency theory and the imposed query model, provide the framework for the study design and interpretation of the data. Findings reveal a general view of information literacy focused on product rather than process, a perception of achieving information skills on their own, a preference for people over other information sources, and an emphasis on personal interest as key to successful information seeking.

Teachers’ conceptions about information literacy skills of school children

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2012

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.

Nursing Students’ Information Literacy Skills Prior to and After Information Literacy Instruction

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jun 2008

Information literacy has been identified by the University of Southern Queensland as an essential graduate quality. It has also been identified in the nursing literature as a requirement for nursing profession. Data were collected from Toowoomba and Fraser Coast campuses using a questionnaire to assess first-year nursing students’ information literacy skills prior to and after information literacy instruction. The findings indicate that embedding such instruction into nursing courses is beneficial.

Post-graduate health promotion students assess their information literacy

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2012
Ref Serv Rev

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine post‐graduate health promotion students' self‐perceptions of information literacy skills prior to, and after completing PILOT, an online information literacy tutorial. Design/methodology/approach – Post‐graduate students at Queensland University of Technology enrolled in PUP038 New Developments in Health Promotion completed a pre‐ and post‐self‐assessment questionnaire. From 2008‐2011 students were required to rate their academic writing and research skills before and after completing the PILOT online information literacy tutorial. Quantitative trends and qualitative themes were analysed to establish students' self‐assessment and the effectiveness of the PILOT tutorial. Findings – The results from four years of post‐graduate students' self‐assessment questionnaires provide evidence of perceived improvements in information literacy skills after completing PILOT. Some students continued to have trouble with locating quality information and analysis as well as issues surrounding referencing and plagiarism. Feedback was generally positive and students' responses indicated they found the tutorial highly beneficial in improving their research skills. Originality/value – This paper is original because it describes post‐graduate health promotion students' self‐assessment of information literacy skills over a period of four years. The literature is limited in the health promotion domain and self‐assessment of post‐graduate students' information literacy skills.

Information and digital literacy: A stumbling block to development? A Pakistan perspective

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2009
Libr Manag

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.

An Evaluation of User-Education Programmes in the University Libraries of Pakistan

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2010

Rubina Bhatti

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.

Tracing Information Literacy of Computer Science Undergraduates: A Content Analysis of Students' Academic Exercise

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2007
MALAYS J LIBR INF SC

Edzan N.N.

Librarians have been using citation analysis as a means to determine the usage of their collection while others have used it look at undergraduate information behaviour. At the same time, various attempts are being made to relate citation analysis of bibliographies to information literacy competencies by mapping them to the performance indicators of established information literacy standards. This paper describes the analysis of bibliographies of final year project reports emanating from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya. A total of 73 reports were analysed using a pre-designed scoring sheet and results presented included number of pages, number of citations, types of sources used, usage of Web resources, currency of sources and citation style. The contents analysis of the bibliographies indicates: (a) the least number of citations per report is 6 and the most is 165 with the most number of citations within the range of 11 to 20 cites; (b) there are more Web citations than citations to books, journal articles, undergraduate reports, Masters' dissertations and conference papers; (c) there are more citation to .com than to .org, .edu, .net and other URL extensions; (d) most citations are not dated and most of those dated are from within the last three years with the most current being 2005 and the oldest dated citation is 1935; and (e) most references have their print citations cited correctly but the Web citations cited incorrectly. Only a handful of indicators could be matched to the information literacy performance indicators of the ALA/ACRL/STS 2005 Information Literacy Standards for Science and Engineering/Technology.

Assessing Information Literacy Competence among the Undergraduate Students of College of Agriculture, Raichur: A Case Study

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2010

With the increasing complexity in agriculture education due to the technological developments, developing information literacy competency in students for life-long learning should be the vital element of agriculture education. In this study, an attempt has been made to know the information literacy competency among the undergraduate students of College of Agriculture, Raichur (Karnataka, India). Questionnaire method was used for data collection and results are tabulated and analysed. Outcome of the study has been discussed and necessary suggestions have been made on the basis of the results for implementing proper information literacy competency programmes in the College.

Use of electronic information resources and facilities by humanities scholars

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2010
ELECTRON LIBR

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of electronic information resources and facilities by humanities scholars at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey of faculty from arts and humanities departments at the University of the Punjab was conducted. In total, 62 faculty and research staff participated. Findings The results correspond with previous studies conducted in other countries. The humanists still stick to the printed information sources but they pay good attention to electronic resources. Most of them have access to computer and internet at office and home. They are regular users of a variety of electronic technologies. Although faced with many problems, the humanists perceive that modern technology made their work easier. Research limitations/implications The study is based only on the humanities faculty in a large university of Pakistan. The survey should be replicated on a larger sample for generalization. Practical implications Keeping in view the positive trend of humanists towards modern technology, universities and libraries should give more funding to provide electronic resources and facilities in the arts and humanities discipline. Special training programmes for humanists should be organized. Originality/value This is the first study on this topic in Pakistan. The results can be useful to design services and facilities in humanities libraries and information centres in Pakistan and other developing countries.

Information literacy among undergraduate students in Niger Delta University

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2009
ELECTRON LIBR

Purpose – Research is carried out in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to determine the undergraduate students' level of awareness of information sources available in the university, to know their level of digital literacy and to determine the different search strategies used by them. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a descriptive survey method and covers the 350 undergraduate students of the four departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences: Economics, Sociology, Political Science, and Geography and Environmental Studies, from which a sample of 105 students is drawn. A questionnaire tagged “Information Literacy among Undergraduate Students of Social Sciences Questionnaire (ILUSSSQ)” is designed to collect data for the paper. Findings – The paper reveals that male students in the faculty are more aware and use the information sources available in the university more than the female students. There is significant difference between gender and search strategies used by the undergraduate students in the social sciences. Male students are more digitally literate, they utilize the internet facilities provided in the university library, use different search engines and utilize the CD‐ROMs in the e‐library section more than the female students. Originality/value – The paper will enable librarians to intensify their efforts to educate students on how and where to search and source for information, and how to evaluate information to meet their information needs.

INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS OF ENGINEERING STUDENTS

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2010

Gender Differences In Computer Literacy Level Among Undergraduate Students In Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2000

This study was conducted to assess gender differences in computer literacy levels of undergraduate students in UKM. Responses from 2,591 students were analyzed. Students were surveyed on software and application use, self-perceived control and programming skills. There is a significant difference in computer literacy level between male and female students; overall mean score for male was 2.62 (N = 734, SD = 0.71) while female score was 2.34 (N = 1570, SD = 0.58). Male students had greater computer experience and use computer more frequently. They also reported a higher computer ability and slightly higher percentage of them own a computer. Males had greater self-perceived control and higher programming skills and better ability in computer repair and maintenance than females. Other factors such as computer experience, and computer ownership also affect computer literacy level as was shown by the interaction effect existed among gender, computer experience, and computer ownership. Impli...

Incoming first year undergraduate students: How information literate are they?

Article

Dec 2005

Diane Mittermeyer

For many years academic librarians have been involved in the delivery of library instruction programs. Most of these librarians however have the impression that when students arrive at the university their knowledge of the information seeking process is quite limited. This paper presents a summary of a research which took place in the province of Quebec (Canada). As stated in the title, in essence the research question was: When entering the first year of undergraduate study, how information literate are the students? Over 3,000 participants returned a mail questionnaire representing a response rate of 56.9%. While 12 of the 15 universities participating to the study were French speaking, 3 of them were English speaking, adding bilingualism (French/English) to an already distinctive, highly cooperative, research design. Despite the limited number of variables (20), the results indicate that for many respondents, their knowledge of the basic elements characterizing the information seeking process is rather limited. For example, it was found that for 11 of the 20 variables under study, the highest rate of correct answers provided was less than 36%. For these variables, the rate of correct responses ranged from 12.7% to 35.8%.

Information Literacy: Furthering the Cause of Higher Education in Pakistan

Article

Jan 2012

R. Bhatti

Commencing undergraduates’ self-efficacy and ability in finding academic resources: Are they improving?

Article

Jan 2008

Beverley Oliver

Many studies suggest that young people, including commencing undergraduates are increasingly ―Net-savvy‖ and sophisticated users of information and communication technologies, devices and techniques, including their ability to find information. This paper reports on the self-efficacy and ability of two diverse cohorts of students (one in 1999–2000 and the other in 2004–5) in finding websites and journals for academic purposes, using the same methods. The preliminary results suggest that more recent cohorts (that is, those closer to what has been more recently described as the Net Generation) have greater confidence in their ability to find websites and journals for academic study, and that their confidence is justified. Deeper investigation suggests, however, that these Net Gen undergraduates are more confident than they should be, and that academic and information literacy programmes for commencing students are still necessary to ensure that our more Net-savvy students are also ―search-savvy.‖ Because of the differences in the cohorts tested in this research, the findings are limited; nevertheless, this small study does highlight discrepancies in students' self-efficacy and indicators of ability. Having more robust tools to assess students' abilities to find information, particularly for use with commencing undergraduates, would be a useful addition to university curricula. This article has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication in SLEID, an international journal of scholarship and research that supports emerging scholars and the development of evidence-based practice in education. © Copyright of articles is retained by authors. As an open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.

Graduate information literacy skills: The 2003 ANU skills audit

Article

May 2004
Aust Libr J

Valerie Perrett

This article looks at the information literacy (ILS) skills of graduate students and is based on an audit at the ANU in 2003 which included database searching, web searching, information management and word processing skills — vital to all graduate students. Each student who completed the audit received a ‘training needs profile’. Staff also benefited as they had a better understanding of the skills of the students that they were providing training for.

Personality traits, gender, and information competency among college students

Article

Apr 2011
MALAYS J LIBR INF SC

This study examines the influence of personality traits on information competency. Furthermore, it seeks to determine whether or not gender moderates the relationship between personality traits and information competency. Data were collected using standardized survey instruments, including Costa and McCrae's NEO-Five Factor Inventory. The surveys were administered to a convenient sample of 185 college students at a large public university in the southeastern United States. The study results show that three of the five personality traits were significant determinants of information competency among the population sample. Those students, who are more conscientious, open to experience, and extroverted tended to report greater information competency than students who are not. Neither neuroticism nor agreeableness was identified as determinants. Revealing the moderating role of gender, the study uncovers gender-specific personality traits that affect information competency. Specifically, the study finds extroversion to be a male-specific trait and openness to experience a female-specific trait. The results identify conscientiousness as the most consistent and robust determinant of information competency across both genders. The concluding analysis relates the findings' implications to information literacy.

APPROVED: SELF-PERCEIVED INFORMATION SEEKING SKILLS AND SELF-ESTEEM IN ADOLESCENTS BY RACE AND GENDER

Article

The Southeastern Librarian The Relationship of Undergraduate Students' Self- assessment of Library Skills to Their Opinion of Library Instruction: A Self-reporting Survey

Article

Jan 2004

Christopher A Freeman

Information literacy perceptions and behaviour among history students

Article

May 2012
ASLIB PROC

María Pinto

Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to discover Spanish history students' subjective perception of their information literacy (IL) status in order to find and suggest some academic and individual improvement actions. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The implementation of the IL-HUMASS survey provides diagnostic data on two IL quantitative dimensions (belief in importance and skills self-assessment) and a third qualitative dimension (learning habits) deployed along 26 variables, which are grouped into four categories (search, evaluation, processing, and communication-dissemination of information). Findings ‐ The analysis confirms that variables related to information processing (above all schematising and abstracting information) show high scores of belief in importance and skills self-assessment among students. By contrast, variables related to technological advances (above all the use of bibliographic reference managers) show the worst results. In sum, there is a lack of subjective digital literacy in a set of skills related to the technologies of search, processing and communication of information. Among the less valued skills, independent learning reaches an excessive priority. However, this is really just an isolated learning. Research limitations/implications ‐ The help of classrooms and libraries as learning tools would improve these results. Policy makers and instructors need to improve their role in the learning process by means of more extensive planning processes and the promotion of specific courses, above all on skills related to the technologies of information search, processing and communication. The concept of independent learning needs to be clarified and enhanced. Originality/value ‐ This is a pioneering study that approaches IL from a triple perspective.

What's Skill Got to Do With It?: Information Literacy Skills and Self-Views of Ability Among First-year College Students

Article

Mar 2012
J AM SOC INF SCI TEC

This study replicates a previous study based on work in psychology, which demonstrates that students who score as below proficient in information literacy (IL) skills have a miscalibrated self-view of their ability. Simply stated, these students tend to believe that they have above-average IL skills, when, in fact, an objective test of their ability indicates that they are below-proficient in terms of their actual skills. This investigation was part of an Institute of Museum and Library Services-funded project and includes demographic data about participants, their scores on an objective test of their information literacy skills, and self-estimates of their ability. Findings support previous research that indicates many students come to college without proficient IL skills, that students with below-proficient IL skills have inflated views of their ability, and that this miscalibration can also be expressed by students who test as proficient. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

What do freshmen really know about research? Assess before you teach

Article

Dec 2005
Res Strat

The paper describes an effort to assess the information literacy skills of first year college students. An instrument was developed and information was gathered on students' experience and comfort in conducting library research as well as their perceived competence with specific information literacy skills. In addition, students completed a skills test to assess specific knowledge and skills relating to information literacy. Entering freshmen generally self-reported their skills to be less than “excellent.” This finding was supported by the results of the skills test. Strengths and weaknesses in information literacy skills are reported as well as implications for librarians who assess and teach these skills to students.

A Baseline Information Literacy Assessment of Biology Students

Article

Dec 2006
REF USER SERV Q

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County Information Literacy Task Force developed a survey primarily based on the Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Standards to gather baseline data about the skills of incoming students. Although multiple departments were involved, the biological sciences provided the highest number (151) of initial participants for the 51—item online survey. Findings indicate that the majority of students have some understanding of information literacy skills; however, a significant number were not familiar with important concepts such as search techniques, identifying print citations, how to determine bias or quality of sources, and correct citation behaviors when using research or copyrighted works. These data are being used to further develop an information literacy program that focuses on faculty development and targets areas where students lack the necessary skills for academic success and lifelong learning

How Does a Pre-Assessment of Off-Campus Students’ Information Literacy Affect the Effectiveness of Library Instruction?

Article

Oct 2008
J Libr Admin

This study investigates the impact that pre-tests have on the effectiveness of library instruction when students are given feedback on their pre-test performance. Librarians and academic faculty partnered to measure library instruction outcomes in two Master's degree classes. The Research Readiness Self-Assessment (RRSA) was used as a pre-test (before instruction) and a post-test (after instruction) in Class 1 and as a post-test only in Class 2. Students who completed both tests performed significantly better on a post-test, earning higher scores on obtaining information and overall information literacy. They reported greater library/research experience and less reliance on browsing. Compared to students who did not take a pre-test, students who received pre-test-based feedback had higher scores on library/research experience and lower scores on reliance on browsing. To enhance the effectiveness of library instruction, students can be given pre-test-based feedback that compares their actual and perceived literacy and encourages the use of library databases.

Evidence-Based Practice and Information Literacy in Social Work: An Assessment of Students' Reference Lists

Article

Jul 2008

To date, only a small number of articles have been written about the information literacy needs of social work students. This is a topic that needs to be addressed more among librarians because of the emergence of the evidence-based practice paradigm within the social work profession. Now more than ever, social work students need to know sophisticated techniques for searching and identifying high-quality research. The authors of this paper have attempted to start to address this need by conducting a small citation study in order to assess the information literacy needs of graduate level social work students at Boston College. The results of our study indicated that the students need instruction that emphasizes evidence-based searching skills. These skills include retrieving peer-reviewed articles and identifying research-based sources. We outline recommendations for incorporating evidence-based searching skills in instruction sessions.

Relationship of Library Skills with Selected Personal And Academic Variables: A Study of the Undergraduate Students of Kuwait University

Article

Mar 2002

The study aimed at ascertaining the level of library skills of the freshmen and sophomores in the College of Science at Kuwait University. It further tested whether there existed any significant relationships between the level of command of library skills and personal and academic factors of age, gender, type of high school the students had attended, class level, student GPA, and level of English proficiency. Cluster sampling was used to conduct this survey. Data were analysed using frequency counts and mean scores and conducting chi-square tests to determine if there existed any significant associations. It was noted that the surveyed students were generally deficient in library skills. Further, it was found that the variables of age and type of secondary school were significantly related to the levels of their library skills. Conversely, the variables of English proficiency, gender, class level, and GPA did not exhibit any significant relationships.

A Report on Faculty Perceptions of Students' Information Literacy Competencies in Journalism and Mass Communication Programs: The ACEJMC Survey

Article

Jul 2005
COLL RES LIBR

Annmarie B. Singh

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.

The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2009

Article

Jan 2009

Assessing Information Literacy among Undergraduates: A Discussion of the Literature and the University of California-Berkeley Assessment Experience

Article

Jan 2001
COLL RES LIBR

Patricia Davitt Maughan

Although national standards for information literacy have been developed and approved by the Association of College and Research Libraries, little is known about the extent to which undergraduates meet these or earlier sets of standards. Since 1994, the Teaching Library at the University of California-Berkeley has conducted an ongoing Survey of Information Literacy Competencies in selected academic departments to measure the "lower-order" information literacy skills of graduating seniors. The most fundamental conclusion that can be drawn from this survey is that students think they know more about accessing information and conducting library research than they are able to demonstrate when put to the test. The University of California-Berkeley library experience is consistent with earlier study findings that students continue to be confused by the elementary conventions for organizing and accessing information.

Factors Influencing Undergraduates' Self-Reported Satisfaction with Their Information Literacy Skills

Article

Jan 2001
PORTAL-LIBR ACAD

Ethelene Whitmire

This study investigated factors influencing 643 undergraduates' self-reported satisfaction with their information literacy skills. Regression analysis revealed that students of color, students satisfied with campus library facilities, and students engaged in interactions with faculty reported greatest satisfaction with their progress. These results have implications for the redesign of academic library services.

Assessing information literacy skills in the Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece

Article

Aug 2009
Ref Serv Rev

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate student information literacy skills in the Technological Education Institute (TEI) of Thessaloniki, Greece, and examine whether courses and/or library seminars make any difference and contribute to the development of information literacy skills. Design/methodology/approach – The survey is conduct with students from all the departments of TEI that are enrolled at the sixth or seventh semester of their studies. The instrument of the survey is a structured questionnaire that included 12 questions, and measured a total of 73 variables. Findings – A significant percentage of the students have not completed an assignment in the previous semester, are not acquainted with the scientific sources available in the library, and have not attended an information literacy course and/or a library seminar. However, there is a slight difference between those respondents who have “attended an IL course integrated in the curriculum” and those who have not. Originality/value – The approaches described here may be helpful to librarians when they prepare guidelines for a program that assesses the level of students with regard to information literacy skills.

Self-efficacy: A concept closely linked to information literacy and lifelong learning

Article

Dec 2003
J DOC

Serap Kurbanoğlu

This paper is primarily concerned with self-efficacy in the context of information literacy. The focus is first on the concept of self-efficacy, followed by attainment of self-efficacy beliefs. Finally, findings of the research, the aim of which was to explore students’ (who enrolled in the Department of Information Management, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey) perceived self-efficacy for information and computer literacy, are scrutinized. Results of the research indicate no significant year-to-year changes, although the students have a positive perceived self-efficacy for information literacy. Students’ self-efficacy beliefs regarding information literacy and computers are correlated.

Information literacy competency of freshman business students of a private university in Bangladesh

Article

Oct 2011
Libr Rev

Md. Zahid Hossain Shoeb

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to assess basic information literacy (IL) competency and the perception of IL behaviour of freshman undergraduate business students of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). Design/methodology/approach – Freshman business students were asked to fill a set of structured and sample questions which assessed their level of information skills and basic IL behaviour. The questionnaire incorporated different questions concerning their previous experience of information use and access to information sources. Findings – It has been found that IUB freshman business students require more competencies to solve information‐related problems. Before answering the questions and statements of the questionnaire, most of them mentioned that they are aware of IL and they think they have IL‐related efficiencies. But the competency results showed that only one‐fourth of them gave correct answers. Regarding the concluding statement, most of them realized that they need information literacy education (ILE) to solve their information‐related problems. Originality/value – This assessment related to IL is the first in any private university in Bangladesh, which will foster more research to design valid and relevant curricula of ILE for the students of IUB and possibly the wider higher education community in Bangladesh.

Citation Analyses as a Prioritization Tool for Instruction Program Development

Article

Jul 2010
J Libr Admin

In the past, citation analyses have been used for collection development or to evaluate information literacy instruction effectiveness. These projects often require collaboration with subject-matter experts and are typically backward-looking measures. Citation analysis as a forward-looking planning tool for a library's instruction program is less well known. This project acts as a quantitative exploration in order to organize information literacy instruction efforts, program marketing, and the implementation of Capella University's university-wide information literacy outcome. Many problems revealed through the analyses were consistent with results from other universities and library citation analysis efforts: over-reliance on textbooks, improper online sources, lack of retrieval statements, quickly broken links, and so on. Specific instruction responses to these widespread issues are discussed. The citation analysis insights influenced both Capella's information literacy plan development cycle and a redesign effort for all guides, tutorials, and residency instruction sessions. The resulting initiatives will require myriad assessment strategies. Future assessment and research possibilities are discussed.

Gender differences in computer literacy among undergraduate students at the University of Botswana: Implications for library use

Article

Aug 2008
MALAYS J LIBR INF SC

This paper, presents findings of a study that was carried out in January 2006 at the University of Botswana to determine gender differences amongst undergraduates' students across all disciplines with regard to computer literacy. Five hundred students were surveyed of which 300 were females while 200 were male. The proportion of female to male students at the University of Botswana is 53%:47%. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents from the six faculties of the University; a survey questionnaire was administered to them and collected on its completion. Descriptive statistics and t-test were employed in the analysis of data. The results suggest that gender differences exist between female and male undergraduate students at the University of Botswana with regard to computer literacy. The findings further revealed that students with higher computer literacy were more inclined to access and make use of library facilities. Moreover, differences exist in the respondents' computer usage and software application. The paper discusses the implications of these results on the students' use of library. INTRODUCTION The University of Botswana became a full fledged university in 1982 having been part of the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland (UBBS) established in 1964 to serve three countries of Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland (University of Botswana 2005). The University of Botswana has six faculties namely, Business, Education, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Science, Social Science and the School of Graduate Studies. During the 2004/05 academic year, there were 15,725 students enrolled at the University of Botswana of which 81% were fulltime, 17% part-time and 2% distance learners. Of the total student population, 52% are female while 48% are male. The distribution of students is such that 67% are enrolled in undergraduate degrees (University of Botswana 2005a).

Library instruction and college student self-efficacy in electronic information searching

Article

Sep 2000
J ACAD LIBR

Wen-Hua Ren

From 85 students surveyed before and after library instruction, it was found that their self-efficacy in electronic information searching increased after the training. That increase was related to attitudes, emotional experiences, search performance, and so on. Implications of these findings to library instruction and reference services are discussed.

The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2010

Article

Oct 2010

Since 2004, the annual ECAR study of undergraduate students and information technology has sought to shed light on how information technology affects the college experience. We ask students about the technology they own and how they use it in and out of their academic world. We gather information about how skilled students believe they are with technologies; how they perceive technology is affecting their learning experience; and their preferences for IT in courses. The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2010 is a longitudinal extension of the annual 2004 through 2009 studies. It is based on quantitative data from a spring 2010 survey of 36,950 freshmen and seniors at 100 four-year institutions and students at 27 two-year institutions; student focus groups that included input from 84 students at 4 institutions; and review of qualitative data from written responses to open-ended questions. In addition to exploring student ownership, experience, behaviors, preferences, and s

Relationship of Students' Perceived Information Literacy Skills with Personal and Academic Variables

Abstract

No full-text available