An empirical investigation of information skills among undergraduate students at Dhaka University

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 274-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannatul Ferdows ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
The University

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to empirically investigate the information skills of undergraduate students at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire-based survey was administered to obtain data about undergraduates’ information skills. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, computer and Internet experiences, and a set of ten questions relating to information skills. A total of 199 undergraduate students responded to the survey. Findings – The results indicate that undergraduates’ information skills were poor. Only a few of them were successful in answering some of the questions correctly. There are significant differences in information skills among respondents in terms of gender, age, possession of personal computers and computer and Internet experience. The main reasons for these differences and the general failure in answering the task questions correctly are mostly attributed to the absence of information literacy instruction within the university, lack of online information resources and inadequate information and communication technology facilities. Practical implications – The findings of this study will help universities in Bangladesh and other developing countries to develop appropriate information literacy instruction at undergraduate level. Originality/value – This is the first time an effort has been made to assess task-based information skills of undergraduate students in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will help universities in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the developing world to introduce information literacy instruction at undergraduate level.

Google classroom for librarians: features and opportunities

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Izenstark ◽  
Katie L. Leahy
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Seamless Integration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Hands On

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share possible opportunities for librarians, faculty and students with access to Google Classroom, and it includes a discussion of its application and functionality in information literacy sessions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the functionality of Google Classroom with a review of its capabilities for providing information literacy instruction based on hands-on use in several classes and observation. Findings – Google Classroom streamlined delivery of materials with students in one-time and multi-meeting classes. Students appreciated its seamless integration with their university email accounts. Originality/value – Librarians teaching classes often need to share introductory information, exercises and supplemental materials with students. Google Classroom offers a simple platform for this purpose.

Conflicting authority

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Lynch ◽  
Shaunna Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Source Evaluation ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Modern Learning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to suggest that librarians’ traditional methods of source evaluation – guided by the “Authority is Constructed and Contextual Frame” of the Framework for Information Literacy – do not adequately address today’s post-truth reality. Design/methodology/approach The authors will use the specific example of the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Climate Assessment report on November 23, 2018 and the subsequent Fact Check News Release published by EPA Headquarters on November 28 as a lens to explore the difficulty of teaching the Authority is Constructed and Contextual Frame in an era of alternative facts and fake news. Findings A brief analysis of human psychology, modern learning theories and Patrick Wilson’s work on cognitive authorities demonstrates that to provide effective information literacy instruction, librarians must do more to incorporate the social and emotional factors that individual students bring to the learning environment into current instruction practices. Practical implications This paper can be used as a resource for librarians seeking new strategies for information literacy instruction in the post-truth era. Originality/value Although a large body of literature exists to discuss the prevalence and implications of fake news in the post-truth era, few scholars have proposed solutions beyond a rededication to teaching critical source evaluation. This paper points to at least one new resource for source evaluation instruction which includes self-reflection among learners and points readers in a new direction to develop more.

Chat reference: evaluating customer service and IL instruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Hunter ◽  
Samantha Kannegiser ◽  
Jessica Kiebler ◽  
Dina Meky
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Industry Standards

Purpose Reflecting on the new ACRL Framework, a deficiency was observed in literature on the assessment of information literacy instruction in chat reference. An evaluation of recent chat transactions was undertaken and the purpose of the study was twofold. The purpose of this study is to discover if and how librarians were teaching information literacy skills in chat reference transactions and identify best practices to develop training and resources. Design/methodology/approach To start, a literature review was performed to identify current industry standards. A rubric, influenced by the ACRL Framework, was developed to evaluate chat transactions from one semester. Results from the assessment were compiled and interpreted to determine current practices. Findings This study identified the necessity of balancing customer service and instruction to manage student expectations and encourage successful chats. Best practices and strategies that librarians can use to provide a well-rounded service were culled for the development of training and resources. Originality/value Reference assumes a large portion of the services that academic librarians provide to students. As technology advances, librarians are relying on virtual platforms, including chat reference, as convenient and useful tools to provide reference services to the academic community. While face-to-face reference encourages information literacy instruction, it is challenging to perform the same instruction in a virtual setting where expectations are based on retail models. With the growing use of virtual services, evaluating the success of chat reference based on industry standards is imperative.

De-biasing on university campuses in the age of misinformation

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Krutkowski ◽  
Sarah Taylor-Harman ◽  
Kat Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Unconscious Bias ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion

Purpose The purpose of this study is to highlight that in today’s polarised information environment, freedom of speech should not be conflated with a freedom to spread demonstrable lies unchallenged. The authors argue for a review of information literacy instruction to focus on social justice and help participants understand the implications of the views they may hold on vulnerable minority groups. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors review and reflect upon the delivery of staff development training on the facts and myths surrounding transgender issues. The authors also encourage other library and information professionals to expand their information literacy instruction into polarised issues that are marked by considerable amounts of misinformation. Findings Training participants reported that being more aware of transphobic media coverage will help them reduce bias and better support trans students and staff. It also enabled further opportunities for colleagues across teams and a variety of roles to incorporate the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into their practice. The success of the sessions also contributed to wider institutional change. Originality/value Trans people are a vulnerable minority facing severe, persistent harassment and discrimination both in everyday life and potentially in educational settings. Offering staff effective tools to educate themselves about media transphobia is a step towards creating an environment where trans students and staff can flourish. The authors explore how the media coverage of trans issues allows misinformation to stick and spread. Through applying the concepts of critical thinking and information literacy to trans issues, the authors explain how unconscious bias towards the trans community can be challenged.

E-learning and information literacy at the University of Jos

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 607-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicki Lawal ◽  
Stephen Akintunde
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential role of information literacy (IL) within the changing context of the e-learning environment at the University of Jos in recent years. It focuses and emphasises the role of the University library in facilitating teaching and learning through the use of e-learning platforms in teaching information retrieval skills. The paper aims to identify gaps in students’ information skills that could be addressed through IL instruction. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a case study research design while the methodology involved the administration of structured questionnaires to the two groups of respondents. Findings – Findings from the study provide useful insights to the skills challenges experienced by students and point to a need for effective collaboration between the library, faculty and management in order to promote a better approach to learning at the institution. Originality/value – By emphasising the role of the library, the paper contributes to previous studies on e-learning at the University and provides a basis for further research in this regard.

Situated information literacy: history instruction at a high school early college

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghann Walk
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Classroom Instruction ◽  
Early College ◽  
History Instruction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This study aims to explore the question “how would professors teach information literacy to prepare high school students for college?” by observing two history professors at a high school early college during routine classroom instruction. Design/methodology/approach – The research took a case study approach to studying information literacy instruction, drawing from multiple data types but relying primarily on classroom observations and teaching artifacts. Findings – This research found that subjects taught information literacy by situating students as legitimate peripheral participants in the discipline of history. They did so as part of the daily fabric of classroom instruction, using pedagogical techniques such as dialogical reading, spending time with texts, writing to think and thinking historically. Research limitations/implications – This research focuses on history instruction. Future studies could include additional disciplines and directly examine the impact of teaching practices on student cognition. Practical implications – The findings suggest that taking a disciplinary approach is one way to apply insights from the field of situated information literacy to the high school to college transition. It also suggests that information literacy instruction need not be confined to research assignments, and that information literacy educators consider the possibilities these teaching techniques offer for enhancing instruction. Originality/value – This paper offers a rich description of information literacy pedagogy in an unusual but intriguing context of use to instruction librarians and educators at both high school and college levels. It also offers a bridge between situated information literacy rooted in workplace research and academic information literacy instruction.

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