Information Literacy Skills among Library and Information Science Professionals: a forecaster of Research Support Services

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakhawat Ali ◽  
Shamshad Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
The University

PurposeThe present research aims to gauge the Information Literacy Skills (ILSs) of the University Library and Information Science Professionals (LISPs) of Pakistan and consider it as a forecaster of improved Research Support Services (RSSs).Design/methodology/approachThe purposive sampling method through a questionnaire was applied and administered (online and offline) to assemble data from LISPs of 219 universities of Pakistan. The questionnaire covered the eight factors of ILSs and four of RSSs.FindingsThe regression model illustrates that the predicted variation of ILSs in RSSs is statistically significant. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicates that ILSs predict 70% variance in RSSs. Furthermore, the beta coefficient demonstrates that the input value of “managing findings” toward improved RSSs is moderately high as compared to other factors of ILSs. Therefore, the study concludes that ILSs of LISPs are a prerequisite for their professional growth to improve their RSSs.Originality/valueThe research has discovered the whole levels of ILSs and RSSs of the university LISPs of Pakistan. The study recommends raising the ILSs of LISPs to provide more efficient RSSs.

scholarly journals Measuring Students’ Information Literacy Skills through Abstracting: Case Study from a Library & Information Science Perspective

2008 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Pinto ◽  
Andrés Fernández-Ramos ◽  
Anne-Vinciane Doucet
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
The University ◽  
New Education

New education models based essentially on competencies and skills are gradually displacing the old systems based on teacher instruction and passive and memory-based learning in students, as these new competencies allow the student to learn actively with better levels of performance. We consider abstracting as a transcendent learning tool to analyze the basic role of information analysis and synthesis skills within the learning processes and their relation to the abstracting processes. Using an action-research methodology, we analyze the abstracting skill of students on the first and final courses of the Faculty of Library and Information Science at the University of Granada (Spain). Based on postulates from information literacy, analysis and synthesis competencies are studied through the students' modus operandi at the different abstracting stages. Similarities and differences between the two groups of students are perceived and displayed, with reference to the relation between the learned subjects and the levels of competence and skill. In the light of these results, meaningful patterns and recommendations for improving students' skill levels are proposed.

scholarly journals Information Literacy Competencies: A Conceptual Analysis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinwe Veronica Anunobi ◽  
Obiora Kingsley Udem
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Information Competency ◽  
Information Literacy Competencies

Purpose: This paper reviewed literature as they relate to Information Literacy Competency. The review is necessary so as to guide students as well as scholars of Library and Information Science who may want to be exposed to the concepts and elements of Information Literacy.Design/Methodology: The exploratory approach was used for this study; first a conceptual framework was examined so as to identify the components of Information Literacy Competency which is combination of Knowledge, Skills and Attitude. This was followed by review of elements of three models of Information Literacy as well as review of views of scholars on Information Literacy Competencies. Finally position was taken on Information Literacy Competency.Findings: The paper found out that the term Information Literacy Competency and Information Literacy skills though often used interchangeably are not the same. Information literacy competency is a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes towards recognizing when and why information is needed, where to find it, how to evaluate, manage and apply it, synthesize, use and communicate it ethically and legally. On the other hand, skill is a component of competency which includes other components (knowledge and attitude).Originality/Value: The value of this paper lies in its identification and discussion on review of the views and position on the concepts of information competency and literacy. It also brings together scholars and schools of thought ideology on information literacy competency which is expected to aid those in quest for knowledge.

scholarly journals Determinants of Web Search Effectiveness from the Perspective of Library and Information Science Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Skills Use ◽  
The University ◽  
Search Effectiveness

This study examined an empirical analysis of the determinants of library and information science students’ web search effectiveness at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A total enumerative method was used where the entire 146 year three and four undergraduate students of the Department of Library and Information Science represent the sample. Through a survey approach, a questionnaire was developed and used for the collection of data. Three research questions were developed to guide the study. The results demonstrate that determinants such as internet and computer self-efficacy, information literacy skills, use of Boolean operators and use of appropriate search terms significantly correlate with and determine web search effectiveness.

scholarly journals Health Information behaviour during COVID-19 outbreak among Egyptian library and information science undergraduate students

2020 ◽  
pp. 026666692097618
Author(s):  
Ahmed Shehata
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

Health information shared on the Internet has the potential to improve people’s quality of life. However, the level of health information literacy and informational skills determines the individuals’ ability to obtain credible health information useful for them. This study investigates the Egyptian LIS undergraduates’ health information behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has adopted a quantitative approach using a questionnaire to explore library and information science undergraduates’ health information behaviour. A sample of 161 students answered a questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The study results show that official health websites, social media, and family and friends are the primary sources for health information for the participants. The findings also revealed that the sample has adequate health information skills, though many of the participants still need to raise their information literacy skills. Information credibility and personal beliefs were found to affect the participants’ decision to share health information on the Internet. One of the limitations of the study is that the sample selected in this study was LIS students who are trained to find reliable information as part of their education. Findings may be different for the “average” student. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in one university, which means that the results cannot be generalised in other LIS departments using different courses. Therefore, more studies need to be conducted in other LIS departments with different course plans as they may produce different results. This study explores the health information behaviour of LIS undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study results may help develop the course plan in many LIS departments in Egypt and the Middle East, which would help improve the students’ health information literacy.

scholarly journals Information Literacy Competencies of Library and Information Science Postgraduate Students in South East Nigeria Universities: A Focus on the Knowledge and Skill Level

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinwe Veronica Anunobi ◽  
Obiora Kingsley Udem
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Skill Level ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Literacy Competencies

The study investigated the information literacy competencies possessed by Library and Information Science (LIS) postgraduate students in Federal Universities in South East Zone Nigeria with a focus on the Knowledge and skill level. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Seventy two students which included all 2011/2012 PhD and Masters degree students from the Departments of LIS in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Data was collected using Achievement Test and Questionnaire. Percentages, frequencies and mean rating were used to answer research questions. T-test was used to test hypotheses. The major findings of the study include: LIS postgraduate students in Federal Universities in South East Zone Nigeria possessed information literacy knowledge since the measure based on understanding the need for information, how to locate, evaluate and use information have average percentage scores of 95%, 87%, 82% and 88% respectively. However, the information literacy knowledge possessed by LIS Postgraduate students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU) differed significantly from those possessed by LIS Postgraduate students in University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); LIS postgraduate students possessed moderate level of information literacy skills as their level of information literacy skills as measured based on ability to locate and access, evaluate and use information has general mean rating of 3.34. However, the skills differed significantly between LIS Postgraduate students in NAU and UNN. Based on the findings, it was recommended that more practical aspect of information literacy should be employed through students’ industrial training and internship, and LIS curriculum should be enhanced especially with reference to skill acquisition.

scholarly journals Determinants of Web Search Effectiveness From the Perspective of Library and Information Science Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Adeyinka Tella ◽  
Saheed Oyeniran ◽  
Ebenezer Sanya Ibironke
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Skills Use ◽  
The University ◽  
Search Effectiveness

This study examined an empirical analysis of the determinants of library and information science students’ web search effectiveness at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A total enumerative method was used where the entire 146 year three and four undergraduate students of the Department of Library and Information Science represent the sample. Through a survey approach, a questionnaire was developed and used for the collection of data. Three research questions were developed to guide the study. The results demonstrate that determinants such as internet and computer self-efficacy, information literacy skills, use of Boolean operators and use of appropriate search terms significantly correlate with and determine web search effectiveness.

scholarly journals Information Literacy Competencies of Library and Information Science Postgraduate Students in South East Nigeria Universities: A Focus on the Knowledge and Skill Level

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinwe Veronica Anunobi ◽  
Obiora Kingsley Udem
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Skill Level ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Literacy Competencies

The study investigated the information literacy competencies possessed by Library and Information Science (LIS) postgraduate students in Federal Universities in South East Zone Nigeria with a focus on the Knowledge and skill level. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Seventy two students which included all 2011/2012 PhD and Masters degree students from the Departments of LIS in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Data was collected using Achievement Test and Questionnaire. Percentages, frequencies and mean rating were used to answer research questions. T-test was used to test hypotheses. The major findings of the study include: LIS postgraduate students in Federal Universities in South East Zone Nigeria possessed information literacy knowledge since the measure based on understanding the need for information, how to locate, evaluate and use information have average percentage scores of 95%, 87%, 82% and 88% respectively. However, the information literacy knowledge possessed by LIS Postgraduate students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU) differed significantly from those possessed by LIS Postgraduate students in University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); LIS postgraduate students possessed moderate level of information literacy skills as their level of information literacy skills as measured based on ability to locate and access, evaluate and use information has general mean rating of 3.34. However, the skills differed significantly between LIS Postgraduate students in NAU and UNN. Based on the findings, it was recommended that more practical aspect of information literacy should be employed through students industrial training and internship,and LIS curriculum should be enhanced especially with reference to skill acquisition.

Assessment of information literacy skills

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 521-535
Author(s):  
Chukwuma Clement Okeji ◽  
Obiageli Martina Ilika ◽  
Emmanuel Ebikabowei Baro
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Credible Information ◽  
Training Programmes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess information literacy skills of undergraduates in Nigerian universities. Design/methodology/approach A self-assessed questionnaire was developed to collect data from the final year undergraduates in 15 universities. A total of 1,350 final year Library and Information Science (LIS) students responded to the questionnaire which was used for analysis. Findings The study revealed that the majority of the LIS final year undergraduates mostly consult journal articles, followed by internet information and online databases during their research process. The undergraduates rated well-known author(s), current information, credible information, accurate and relevant information as very important when evaluating online information resources. It was found that the students rated their ability to organize information and integrate ideas from consulted information as high. While they were deficient in ability to correctly paraphrase ideas to avoid plagiarism and use citation and referencing styles correctly. On the whole, almost half of the final year undergraduates of LIS rated their level of information literacy skills to be moderate. Practical implications The findings of the study will inform librarians and faculty in universities in developing countries like Nigeria to develop an information literacy instruction policy. Originality/value Assessing information literacy skills will provide the foundation and knowledge to improve the development of information literacy training programmes.

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