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.

A call for libraries to go green

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Fourie
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Environmental Friendly ◽  
Making A Difference ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

PurposeWhen confronted with a problem where the solution is not clear or obvious, a first step would be to search for more information, trying to make sense of the problem. The intention of this contribution is to make sense of the call for “libraries to go green”, while at the same time to show the potential of explicitly considering information behaviour and the need to draw on the full spectrum of information literacy skills (e.g. recognising and expressing an information need, seeking, using, and disseminating information) to stimulate librarians' interest and confidence in taking on the challenge of going green and making a difference.Design/methodology/approachThe column will be written against the background of research from information literacy, information behaviour, and research on sustainable and environmental friendly library and information (LIS) services.FindingsAlthough rather a limited number, publications on “going green” and the “paperless” library/society address a variety of issues ranging from planning “green” library buildings, to assessing the experiences of LIS professionals in developing sustainable “green libraries”, to information behaviour in using e‐books in academic contexts. Considering the finding and use of information on “going green”, from an information behaviour perspective, helps to bring many issues to consider in furthering research on “going green” to the front.Originality/valueAlthough much has been published about information behaviour and information literacy, and although attempts of publishing on various issues of “green” libraries are noted, the author is not aware of other work aligning these issues.

‘Read it, now what? Engaging students with information literacy’

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Foord
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Information Professional ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this action research study was to explore whether enabling work-based students to identify their information literacy (IL) needs and participate in activity design would increase their IL and enhance their academic performance.Design/methodology/approachInitially students reflected on their own knowledge, skills and engagement with IL. Next, they identified aspects of IL that challenged them. Students worked in small groups to identify tasks and activities to enhance their skills. They completed practical IL tasks during a taught session. A scoring rubric assessed student engagement with IL. Concurrently a qualitative questionnaire was developed and used to explore the student experience of the intervention.FindingsThe study found that students did engage with information literacy and there was an improvement in the pass rate from previous cohorts. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that students felt that the interaction had benefitted their engagement with IL and their learning and understanding as a result.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was a small study at one higher education institution and cannot therefore be considered generalizable. It does nevertheless provide valuable insights in terms of student engagement with IL.Practical implicationsThis study influenced the delivery of the subsequent modules. It has the potential to influence the delivery of information literacy skills on health and social care apprenticeships.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the literature exploring the relationship between students and information literacy. Enhancing the discourse from the instructor perspective rather than that of the information professional.

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

2005 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annmarie B. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Mass Communication ◽  
Faculty Perceptions ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Mass Communications ◽  
Perceptions Of Students ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

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 undergraduate students could be considered information literate by these standards. Faculty also reported consistent improvement in their students’ research process after receiving library instruction.

Reliability and validity of self-efficacy scales assessing students’ information literacy skills

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1035-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper systematically reviews the evidence of reliability and validity of scales available in studies that reported surveys of students to assess their perceived self-efficacy of information literacy (IL) skills. Design/methodology/approach Search in two subject and two general databases and scanning of titles, abstracts and full texts of documents have been carried out in this paper. Findings In total, 45 studies met the eligibility criteria. A large number of studies did not report any psychometric characteristics of data collection instruments they used. The selected studies provided information on 22 scales. The instruments were heterogeneous in number of items and type of scale options. The most used reliability measure was internal consistency (with high values of Cronbach’s alpha), and the most used validity was face/content validity by experts. Practical implications The culture of using good-quality scales needs to be promoted by IL practitioners, authors and journal editors. Originality/value This paper is the first review of its kind, which is useful for IL stakeholders.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 631-653
Author(s):  
Sanaz Soltani ◽  
Shahrokh Nikou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

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

Assessment of information literacy skills and information-seeking behavior of medical students in the age of technology: a study of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-94
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sohail Haider ◽  
Chen Ya
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Staff

Purpose Information literacy skills (ILSs) and information-seeking behavior (ISB) is a widespread topic that needs modern technologies to improve the technical skills of the students. The purpose of this study is to assess the usage of library resources for medical college students. To explore and understand the student’s level of satisfaction, learning and seeking behavior by efficient information retrieval systems. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a quantitative research method and data was collected from the undergraduate students of medical colleges Islamabad Pakistan. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 using Pearson correlation statistical test to identify the level of proficiency of correlation of variables and testing of the proposed hypothesis. Findings The finding of the study shows that the medical students can enhance their IT skills to seek the information in this technology era. The medical institutional administration can develop the education development policy, traditional health education policy, funds allocating policy, health information literacy and collaborate with library staff for enhancing the services and to meet the information need of medical students. Practical implications The conclusion of this study is very helpful to reduce the barriers between the students and the library staff. The findings of the study are also beneficial for the administration to improve and develop the strategies for enhancing the ILSs of medical students to achieve medical educational information in the age of technology. Therefore, all significant structures want to improve and to develop the environment of information seeking by medical students to achieve medical educational information. Social implications Medical college library administrative management must be design useful a durable policy to come up with the technology development for digital literacy. The study reduces the barriers between the students and the library staff. Originality/value The study is based on quantitative research method to find out ISB of medical students.

Self-Perception of Information Literacy Skills and Confidence Level in Use of Information by Women Faculty Members: An Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (S1) ◽  
pp. 104-107
Author(s):  
M. A. Deepamala ◽  
K. S. Shivraj
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Women Faculty ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Region Data ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

This article is an attempt to present and publish different aspects of doctoral Thesis awarded by Anna University in the year 2018. The concept of this article is self perception of women faculty member’s information literacy skills and their confidence level in using information for their teaching and research practices. Data and analysis have been compiled as per the aspect of taken topic. Sample size 364 based on primary data collected through well structured questionnaire from 41 Engineering colleges affiliated to Anna University in Coimbatore region. Data have been tabulated and applied suitable statistical tools. Women faculty members self perceived that they do have the confident in evaluating the quality, Interpretation, use of e-format and information retrieval skills. Their confidence level on skills to handle the information is positively significantly correlates with information literacy skills towards information seeking attitudes and the same on internet sources. It is concluded that the faculty member’s information seeking attitude and the same attitude on the internet sources influences to increase effectively confidence level of their skills to handle the information. It has been proved qualitatively and quantitatively. The author suggested to requiring more course integrated information literacy program, motivation and appreciation for research, presentation and publication among women faculty members.

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