Catalytic role of information literacy in educational change: a case study of University of Delhi

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-175
Author(s):  
Shashi P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Controlled Vocabulary ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Feedback Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Feedback Analysis ◽  
Effective Manner

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and demonstrate the set of information literacy skills that makes a person a competent lifelong learner to find, evaluate, filter and use information in an effective manner.Design/methodology/approachPowerPoint presentations were used in a demonstration to explain how to use various types of e‐resources and databases, both subscribed and in the public domain. Practical orientation on basic and advanced searches, phrase searching, proximity searching, field searching, use of Boolean operators, controlled vocabulary, and limiting/refining/narrowing of search results was given. A demonstration was given to faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students of Delhi University. Participants' opinions were sought on eight statements (developed for this purpose) in a feedback form on a five‐point scale.FindingsBased on the feedback analysis, it was found that instruction material was useful (94.90 per cent), 88.47 per cent respondents are now better prepared to use e‐resources and WWW services, and 92.80 per cent of respondents expressed the opinion that the presentations would be more useful if they were made available on the library web site; 92.90 per cent of respondents agreed that the programs were suitable for their information needs. Regarding the post‐program awareness of e‐sources, 94.01 per cent of respondents agreed that they are now more aware. Over 90 per cent of participants were satisfied with the conduct of the IL program.Originality/valueAn information literacy (IL) skills demonstration package was prepared for regular use with faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students to make them competent to find, access and use information more efficiently. This would fulfil the aim of developing individuals' intellectual capabilities of independent and lifelong learning.

Support your staff employees: they support the academy

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Samson ◽  
Kimberly Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Academic Support ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Student Interactions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Settings

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to serve both as an informational tool identifying library services and resources and as a mechanism to gather input from campus staff to inform outreach services. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys were distributed to all non-faculty and non-administrative support staff. Questions included direct choice and open-ended responses in four categories: demographics; general library use; information needs; and student interactions. Findings – The results confirm that knowledge and awareness of the library can empower staff employees and that support staff are eager to learn about and use library resources and services. The results give guidance to liaison librarians to facilitate an effective outreach program to improve the ability of support staff to do their work and to share information with the students and faculty with whom they come into contact. Research limitations/implications – While these survey findings cannot be extrapolated to all academic settings, they build on similar research and authenticate the significance of library outreach to academic support staff. Practical implications – Enormous potential exists in adapting these survey findings to expand information literacy programs across the academy. Originality/value – Academic support staff are a frequently untapped user group whose information needs are essential to the academy. This case study highlights the value of staff outreach within the context of extending the Library Instruction Program by enhancing the information literacy skills of personnel who are in frequent contact with students and faculty across the campus.

Faculty perceptions of information literacy skills: an investigation at the Florence University Campus of Social Sciences

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosaria Giangrande ◽  
Alessandra Cassigoli ◽  
Eleonora Giusti
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Faculty Perceptions ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

Purpose The Florence University Social Science Library has for some time been engaged in courses for information literacy (IL), but so far, there has been a lack of collaboration with teachers. This study aims to investigate teachers’ perception of students’ IL skills. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative investigation was based on semi-structured interviews with 24 faculty members of the Florence University Social Sciences campus. Findings Knowledge of the IL frameworks is not widespread among the teachers of the campus, but following the discussion, most of the interviewees came to acknowledge its certain validity. The teachers tend to attribute an insufficient level of information skills to the bachelor’s degree students, a good level to master’s degree and a more positive level to the postgraduates. They express appreciation of the training activity of the library, but they, nevertheless, still tend to consider librarians, as their more traditional role would suggest, only as bibliographic research experts. No one seemed to believe librarians possess those training competencies they would need to get involved in teaching curricula. The recognition of the work that has been accomplished up to now represents foundations for an increasingly necessary partnership. There is an awareness, however, that a suitable strategy which requires determination and initiative will be difficult to implement. Originality/value This study represents one of the few contributions on the perception of IL skills by faculty members in Italian universities.

Lessons learned from designing flipped lessons for fourth grade students: implications for school librarians

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniella Smith
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Flipped Learning ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine student perceptions of flipped learning lessons designed to teach information literacy skills. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method design was implemented using a paper-based survey and an online focus group. The survey asked questions about the participants’ perceptions of the flipped lessons. The focus group was used to clarify the participants’ responses to the survey questions. Findings A majority of the students enjoyed completing the lessons. Responses also indicated that a majority of the students felt that the lessons helped them prepare for class. However, issues with computers and internet connectivity at home resulted in some of the students completing the lessons before or after school. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to a class of 21 students enrolled in a public school in North Texas. Originality/value There is limited research supporting the value of flipped learning in relation to the technology implementation role of school librarians. This study provides insights into how school librarians can develop flipped learning lessons in collaboration with classroom teachers to improve the information literacy skills of students.

Examining digital information literacy as a determinant of women's online shopping behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Munazza Mahmood ◽  
Syeda Hina Batool ◽  
Muhammad Rafiq ◽  
Muhammad Safdar
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Shopping ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Shopping Behavior ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Online Shopping Behavior

PurposeThe present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive sampling of women, aged between 20–50 years who were buying products online, not from the traditional retail stores. Out of 309 received questionnaires, 269 responses were useable and were utilized for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to deduce inferences.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research approach was employed for this study, and a survey was conducted to collect the data from the study's respondents. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.FindingsResults revealed that the digital information literacy skills of women were good to a moderate level. However, they were not confident in applying advanced searching options. In accordance with what was hypothesized in a directional hypothesis, DIL was found to be a strong predictor of online shopping behavior of women, consequently highlighting the importance of such competencies in modern life. Other findings illustrate that participating women rarely engaged in online shopping and felt hesitation in using credit/debit card for online transactions.Research limitations/implicationsThese observations highlight the important role of information professionals in creating digital literacy among different population groups, specifically women, by planning digital information instruction through courses, workshops and trainings. This could eventually be possible with the dynamic role of librarians or information professionals in the society.Originality/valueThe present study adopts the unique approach of measuring online shopping behavior of female shoppers in connection with their digital information literacy skills.

Information Literacy Skills among Faculty Members in the College of Horticulture, Bagalkote, Karnataka: A Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-75
Author(s):  
K. N. Hemavathi ◽  
M. Chandrashekara
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Total Response Rate ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
College Library ◽  
And Training ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

The present study explores the information literacy skills among the faculty members of the College of Horticulture, Bagalkote, Karnataka. A survey method was adopted in the study. The structured questionnaire was designed for data collection. A total of 110 questionnaires were distributed and 90 questionnaires were received back. The total response rate was 81.81 percent. The study found that the majority of the faculty members have better knowledge and skills about the use of different types of sources, tools, and services. The respondents suggested that the college library should conduct seminars, workshops, and training programmes from experts to improve information literacy skills.

Evidence of improved students’ perceptions towards online research: pre and post assessment study of information literacy and research support

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Zahid Hossain Shoeb
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Research Practice ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Support Programmes ◽  
Post Assessment

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present how the library’s information literacy (IL) sessions and research support programmes can change students' perceptions towards their research practice. Design/methodology/approach To reach the aim of this study, the author carried out survey through the structured questionnaire before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the session of instructions. Then, the author compared the scores statistically using paired sample t-test to see the differences. Findings The findings and review suggested that the need for the continued development and implementation of IL and research support sessions should not be ignored. The students may be benefitted from a well-designed programme. This sort of training session improved learners' attitudes significantly towards research practice and behaviour. Originality/value IL and research support have not been addressed much in the country where the study took place. Though not new, however, these initiatives may make the educators rethink concerning their curriculum. Moreover, a collaborative effort between librarians and faculty members may result in an active driving force for effective learning.

scholarly journals The role of libraries in teaching doctoral students to become information-literate researchers

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 158-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Ince ◽  
Christopher Hoadley ◽  
Paul A. Kirschner
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Literacy Practices ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skill Sets ◽  
Types Of Information

PurposeThis paper aims to review current literature pertaining to information literacy and digital literacy skills and practices within the research workflow for doctoral students and makes recommendations for how libraries (and others) can foster skill-sets for graduate student research workflows for the twenty-first century scholarly researcher.Design/methodology/approachA review of existing information literacy practices for doctoral students was conducted, and four key areas of knowledge were identified and discussed.FindingsThe findings validate the need for graduate students to have training in information literacy, information management, knowledge management and scholarly communication. It recommends empirical studies to be conducted to inform future practices for doctoral students.Practical implicationsThis paper offers four areas of training to be considered by librarians and faculty advisers to better prepare scholars for their future.Originality/valueThis paper presents a distinctive synthesis of the types of information literacy and digital literacy skills needed by graduate students.

scholarly journals Knowledge Sharing Practices, ICT, Information Literacy, and STEM Career Path Choices Among Girls at the Secondary School Level

2019 ◽  
pp. 227-252
Author(s):  
Mercy A. Iroaganachi ◽  
Promise Ifeoma Ilo ◽  
Loveth Ekwueme ◽  
Idarefame YoungHarry
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Career Path ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
School Level ◽  
Secondary School Level ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Stem Career

This chapter explored literature and discussed the importance of knowledge sharing practices, ICT, and information literacy, and their influence on STEM career path choices among girls at the secondary school level. This was properly situated by examining the concept of knowledge sharing, concept of career path choices, knowledge sharing on career path choices of girls, considered ICT and career path choices of girls, effect of ICT on career path choices of girls, information literacy and career path choices of girls, effect of information literacy on career path choices of girls. It concludes that a culture of knowledge sharing practices among the girls will get the less knowledgeable girls informed for informed STEM career path decisions. The use of ICTs for networking and sharing knowledge among the girls will improve information literacy skills needed by the girls to help identify information needs, access, retrieve, evaluate, and use same career choices. The chapter includes recommendations.

scholarly journals Poor Information Literacy Skills and Practices as Barriers to Academic Performance: A Mixed Methods Study of the University of Dar es Salaam

2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Klomsri ◽  
Matti Tedre
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Knowing How ◽  
The University

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly used in Tanzanian education. Knowing how to operate ICT alone is incomplete without knowing how to use it as a tool for organization, communication, research, and problem-solving. In recognition of this challenge, information literacy (IL) has been identified as a key attribute to students as they progress through their learning paths. Based on a mixed methods strategy, using questionnaires and focus group discussions, this study measured the level of IL skills among University of Dar es Salaam’s (UDSM) postgraduate students, to gain insights into the students’ perceptions and experiences with information problems. A total of 102 students from four institutions answered the online questionnaire and 22 students participated in six focus group discussions. The questionnaire scores of the students were poor in the majority of IL categories, suggesting ineffectiveness of the current IL training in imparting IL knowledge and skills. The study ends by discussing recommendations to improve current IL practices at the university.

An assessment of information literacy skills among first-year postgraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mugyabuso J. F. Lwehabura
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Concept Maps ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
First Year ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

This study was set to examine and identify some aspects of information literacy skills among postgraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture and determine challenges and problems facing them in terms of searching and use of various information resources. Systematic probability sampling and questionnaires were used to collect data from175 students out of 314 first-year postgraduate students registered. The findings showed that although information literacy exists among students, a good number of students demonstrated significant deficiency in their information literacy knowledge and skills in key aspects including searching for information from electronic sources, application of various information search techniques such as Boolean operators, use of truncation, synonyms and concept maps. Based on the findings, the paper recommends addressing the shortcomings found by introducing a mandatory information literacy course for both postgraduate and undergraduate students to ensure effective independent learning among students.

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