Information literacy, information use and sustainable development of higher education in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Ola Adekoya
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Use ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Purpose The need for sustainable development (SD) of higher education (HE) is recognized in the UN 2030 Agenda for SD. Central to the SD of HE is information literacy and information use. This study aims to investigate information literacy, information use and SD of HE in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study was the staff of public higher educational institutions in Southern Nigeria. A self-structured online questionnaire was sent to the respondents via social media. The data generated were analysed using mean, frequency count and percentages. Findings It was reflected that information literacy played a significant role in the SD of HE and that the extent of information use was high. It was revealed that the areas of HE that require SD include economic/finance and investment priorities; administration, mission and planning; and research and scholarship. Originality/value The study emphasizes that SD of HE in the current educational enterprise requires that people are information literate and information is extensively used.

Analysis of sustainability insertion in materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeniffer Fonseca Zanitt ◽  
Izabela Simon Rampasso ◽  
Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas ◽  
Milena Pavan Serafim ◽  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Materials Selection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject

Purpose This study aims to analyse how the materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes can be better aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach Initially, a content analysis was performed in 39 materials selection course descriptions from 40 engineering undergraduate programmes of Brazilian higher education institutions, and subsequently, Delphi method procedures were conducted with professors that teach or have taught the course and are knowledgeable in the subject of sustainability. Findings Considering the analysed course descriptions, it was shown that most of the materials selection courses do not consider or present little emphasis on sustainability aspects. Regarding the Delphi method, eight items were evidenced to consider sustainability aspects in the analysed courses. Originality/value This study contributes to the debates about sustainability insertion in engineering undergraduate programmes. More specifically, the findings presented consolidated information that professors and coordinators can use to align materials selection courses with the SDGs better.

Exploring the relationship between dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in HESD

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Shephard ◽  
Qudsia Kalsoom ◽  
Ritika Gupta ◽  
Lorenz Probst ◽  
Paul Gannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Higher education is uncertain which sustainability-related education targets should be sought and monitored. Accepting that something needs to be measurable to be systematically improved, the authors explored how measures relate to potential targets. This paper aims to focus on dispositions to think critically (active open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking in appraising reasoning) as measures and explored how they related to sustainability concern as an indicative educational target. Design/methodology/approach This research included the development and testing of research instruments (scales) that explored dispositions to critical thinking and sustainability concern. Authors researched these instruments within their own correspondence groups and tested them with university students and staff in Pakistan, the USA, Austria, India and New Zealand. The authors also asked a range of contextualising questions. Findings Respondents’ disposition to aspects of active, open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking do predict their concern about facets of sustainability but their strength of religious belief was an important factor in these relationships and in their measurement. Practical implications This research demonstrates the complexity of monitoring dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in educational systems, particularly in circumstances where the roles of religious beliefs are of interest; and suggests ways to address this complexity. Originality/value This research integrates and expands discourses on ESD and on critical thinking in diverse disciplines and cultures. It investigates measurement approaches and targets that could help higher education institutions to educate for sustainable development and to monitor their progress, in ways that are compatible with their culture and values.

Libraries as Vehicle to Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs): Nigerian’s current status and outlook

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 16-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Igbinovia
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Federation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
Stimulate Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Development Agenda ◽  
Sustainable Developmental Goals

Purpose This paper aims to examine the progress made by Nigerian libraries towards the actualization of sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) and to review possible opportunities for better actualisation. The resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 25, 2015, resulted in a 2030 agenda for sustainable development with 17 goals and 169 targets, a transition from the millennium developmental goals, which should stimulate action over the next 15 years. Design/methodology/approach In view of this agenda, sessions at the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Conference were held in 2015 in Cape Town to focus on the post-2015 development agenda available at http://www.ifla.org/node/9727. Session 103 of the 2015 IFLA Conference was on the contribution and mission of libraries and information services or sustainable development. Findings The Registrar of the Librarian’s Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) during the 6th Induction Ceremony for librarians held on September 13, 2015, stated that the profession will focus on making sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) a reality. In line with this, libraries and librarians in Nigeria have been doing a great deal, especially in the area of creating awareness about the goals by all stakeholders. Originality/value The aim of this paper is to examine the current status of Nigerian libraries toward meeting the SDGs as an example for developing countries and to propose recommendations for meeting these goals.

scholarly journals A constellation to guide us

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 544-551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Bombaro ◽  
Pamela Harris ◽  
Kerri Odess-Harnish
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literacy Program ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
University Of Illinois ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Advice ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to ask Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe, Professor/Coordinator for Information Literacy Services and Instruction in the University Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, about her views regarding the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Design/methodology/approach This is an interview. Findings Hinchliffe believes that the Framework is one among many documents that academic librarians can and should use to promote information literacy. Research limitations/implications Hinchliffe contradicts the opinion that the Framework and the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education could not have co-existed. Practical implications Hinchliffe offers librarians practical advice for moving from a Standards-based to a Framework-based information literacy program. Originality/value Hinchliffe concludes that the old ways of fostering information literacy do not need to be rejected to adopt new practices.

Transculturality as a drive for the SDGs achievement

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 822-831
Author(s):  
Norman de Paula Arruda Filho ◽  
Barbara Sueli Przybylowicz Beuter
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Value ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Integrated Research ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
High Degree

Purpose This study aims to assess how transculturality can potentiate projects developed between UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatories’ institutions by emphasizing on the advantages for teams with people from different nationalities. Besides, it addresses a well-discussed topic among the signatory schools of PRME as the initiative strongly encouraged integrated research, attributing it value and applicability. Design/methodology/approach The analysis focuses on three projects developed in partnership between institutions from Brazil and other countries, considering significant cultural differences, number of countries involved and the interaction between the academia and the companies. The discussion seeks to understand the value of projects and what they mean in terms of partnerships and mobilizations between PRME’s signatories schools. Findings The paper provides empirical insights about the necessity of understanding transculturality as a key factor to the development of multicultural projects, especially with regard to projects aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, launched by the UN in 2015. Originality/value The discussion reinforces that a multifaceted vision has the potential to overlap cultural differences to develop projects with a high degree of replicability.

scholarly journals Viewpoint: accelerating the implementation of the SDGs

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 507-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Leal Filho
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Active Part ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Need ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the need to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the actions needed to reach them. In particular, it outlines a variety of actions which higher education institutions may undertake, to take an active part in the process. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents an analysis of the trajectory leading to the SDGs, their relevance and the problems seen in the implementation. Findings There are many needs to be met to implement the SDGs, and there is a perceived need to accelerate their implementation. Originality/value The viewpoint tackles the complexity inherent to the implementation of the SDGs and points out some of the needs to be met, so as to enable their implementation.

Connecting curriculum, capabilities and careers

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 738-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Thomas ◽  
James Depasquale
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
Interpersonal Competence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Guide ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Careful Design

Purpose The reported research aims to examine the extent to which sustainability capabilities have been delivered by a specific example of Education for Sustainability (EfS) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and how important the capabilities have been in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach Students who participated in an undergraduate internationally based research project were electronically surveyed. Questions sought responses related to demographics, the relevance of five “sustainability competencies” to the participant’s employment, the degree to which the five competencies had been developed within the students’ project and capabilities participants felt were important to their careers. Findings Clearly supported was the relevance of all five sustainability competencies, especially that of “interpersonal competence”. Practical implications A problem-based learning (PBL) design guided the students’ project and the findings indicate that these designs can be effective in delivering the five capabilities discussed. Interpersonal capability appears to be strongly developed, probably because PBL typically involves teamwork, often across disciplines. Nonetheless, those running these PBL-based subjects could note that careful design may be needed to ensure the development of systems thinking, anticipatory and normative capabilities. Also, the five competencies provide a reasonably good guide for what is important in the workplace and for designing learning experiences. Originality/value Clarification of competencies valued in the workplace provides guidance for the design of higher education curricular so that graduates become effective sustainability professionals.

The Framework is elitist

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 552-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Bombaro
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Academic Librarian

Purpose This paper aims to question whether the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education adheres to the theory upon which it was based and to examine the actions of the Association of College and Research Libraries following the Framework’s release and its consequences. Design/methodology/approach This paper is an essay-style viewpoint, reflecting the observations and opinions of the author. Findings The author criticizes the Association of College and Research Libraries for its inaction in educating member librarians about how to implement the Framework and observes ideological rifts that were exposed within the academic librarian community as the Framework was being discussed following its adoption. Originality/value This paper is meant to provoke thought and generate discussion in regard to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.

scholarly journals Energy sustainability in teaching and outreach initiatives and the contribution to the 2030 Agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1607-1624
Author(s):  
Amanda Lange Salvia ◽  
Luciana Londero Brandli ◽  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto ◽  
Giovana Reginatto
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Energy Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Purpose Considering the different roles universities can perform to contribute to sustainable development, it is through teaching and outreach that they might be able to connect to the academic and local communities the most. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which energy sustainability is being considered in campus teaching and outreach activities of different higher education institutions worldwide. In this context, this exploratory study was developed. Design/methodology/approach Through an online survey, a group of 36 universities from all continents was inquired about the level of sustainability in energy aspects of teaching and outreach activities, including curriculum change, training courses for staff and the regularity of outreach projects. Findings The results allowed global analysis concerning challenges and opportunities of these educational activities. This study also touches upon the interconnection between these practices and the contribution of universities towards the 2030 Agenda, and how universities can expand their activities and contribute practically to society. In terms of practical contributions, this study provides recommendations for higher education institutions to develop further in the area of energy sustainability through teaching and outreach. Originality/value Energy is a sustainability aspect relatively well covered by actions on campus operations, but there is a paucity of studies connecting this topic to teaching and outreach activities. This study is an approach to not only fill this gap but also reinforce the university role and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

scholarly journals Cybersystemic education: enabling society for a better future

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1376-1397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Schwaninger
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
European University

Purpose This study aims to explore an exemplar of the design and application of a systemic framework for higher education. The field of application is in the social sciences and the perspective long-term, covering three generations of faculty and many generations of students. Design/methodology/approach This study is exploratory. It contains a conceptual component and an empirical component with a long-term case study from a European university. Findings A cybersystemic approach to higher education has been shown, at the focal university, to be a powerful amplifier of individual and institutional capabilities, and it still has great potential. The crucial prerequisite is that the approach is virtuously designed and implemented. Originality/value A case study ranging over 50 years is presented. The respective university has been a role model for other educational institutions for many years. Its influence in the German-speaking countries, and more recently also internationally, has become significant.

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