Preliminary insight of information literacy competencies among school library media teachers

This study examines library media teachers’ perception of information literacy, their current levels of information literacy competencies, and the factors affecting information literacy implementation in secondary schools. 36 library media teachers from Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur participated in this self-report questionnaire-based survey. Respondents knew what information literacy is and perceived it as much needed skills. Skills to identify information needed obtained a mean of 3.94 and skills to synthesize information scored the lowest mean of 3.47. They need continuing education opportunities, professional development, information literacy and LIS training. The country needs a national information agenda, policy and guidelines to implement information literacy.

Personality factors and knowledge sharing behavior in information services: the mediating role of information literacy competencies

Purpose The study aims to investigate the role of information literacy competencies regarding the impact of personality factors on knowledge sharing behavior in information services. Design/methodology/approach A sequential mixed-methods approach was used as the research design. To construct the two less identified variables of knowledge sharing behavior and information literacy competencies in actual information services, the literature existed were searched and validated in a systematic review procedure. Two conceptual models including two initial questionnaires were developed, which were then confirmed by a set of 10 related experts through semi-structured interviews. For gathering data related to the variable personality factors, the Five-Factor Inventory was used as a widely recognized measure. The sample population of the quantitative section constituted of a set of 160 librarians working in the central libraries of the state universities located at Tehran, Iran. Data analysis was conducted through structural equation modeling using software SmartPLS. Findings The results showed that the personality factors had a positive and significant impact on information literacy competencies with a path coefficient of 0.48 and information literacy competencies skills had a positive and significant effect on the knowledge sharing behavior with a path coefficient of 0.47. However, with a path coefficient of 0.02, the personality factors had no direct effect on the knowledge sharing behavior while its indirect impact was then confirmed by the mediating role of information literacy competencies. Originality/value To achieve the desired knowledge sharing behavior, there should be concerns about the information literacy competencies of the librarians. Moreover, the knowledge sharing behavior of the librarians should be more taken into consideration concerning their personality factors.

KOMPETENSI LITERASI INFORMASI PUSTAKAWAN DI ERA INFODEMIK

The purpose of writing is to bring up creative librarian ideas and provide problem-solving strategies related to the circulation of hoax in the infodemic era. The discussion uses the literature review method related to infodemics, information literacy competencies, and librarian strategies in the social media era. High rapid social media and internet access users are not accompanied by literacy competencies. One of the efforts to build a knowledge ecosystem is through increasing information literacy competencies. In the context of libraries, social media influences the relationships and social interactions carried out by librarians. The wave of information that is not necessarily accurate is increasingly being spread through social media. Library information sources can be disseminated through social media applications with various platforms. His practice in the library is building scientific communication, knowledge management, promotion, marketing, and publication. Due to the rapid dissemination of information, librarians are expected to have the sensitivity and expertise in packaging information, disseminating it through social media, cleverly sorting and choosing, and wisely using it. The problem-solving strategy that exists in the era of social media for librarians to be able to surf the internet is healthy information literacy competence.Keyword: information literacy, librarian competence, hoax, infodemic, social mediaABSTRAKTujuan penulisan untuk memunculkan gagasan kreatif pustakawan dan memberikan strategi pemecahan masalah terkait dengan beredarnya informasi hoaks di era infodemik. Metode kajian menggunakan metode kajian pustaka terkait dengan infodemik dalam era media sosial, kompetensi literasi informasi, serta strategi pustakawan di era media sosial. Tingginya akses internet dan pesatnya pengguna aktif media sosial tidak dibarengi dengan kompetensi literasi. Padahal salah satu upaya membangun ekosistem pengetahuan adalah melalui peningkatan kompetensi literasi informasi. Dalam konteks perpustakaan, media sosial berpengaruh pada relasi dan cara berinteraksi sosial yang dilakukan oleh pustakawan. Gelombang informasi yang belum tentu akurat semakin terasa masif penyebarannya melalui media sosial. Sumber informasi perpustakaan dapat didesiminasikan melalui aplikasi media sosial dengan berbagai platform. Praktiknya di perpustakaan adalah membangun komunikasi ilmiah, pengelolaan pengetahuan, promosi, pemasaran, serta publikasi. Oleh karena penyebaran informasi demikian pesat, maka pustakawan diharapkan memiliki kepekaan dan kepiawaian dalam mengemas informasi, menyebarkan melalui media sosial, cerdas memilah dan memilih, maupun bijak dalam menggunakannya. Strategi pemecahan masalah yang ada di era media sosial bagi pustakawan agar dapat berinternet sehat adalah memiliki kompetensi literasi informasi.

Influence of Information Literacy Competencies on Users of the Saulsville Public Library, South Africa

Information literacy competencies indicate the ability of an individual to apply a certain search strategy of information discovery, to understand its design, to value judgement, and to use it in various contents and contexts. The influence of information literacy competencies plays an important role in enabling information users to meet their information needs and prepares them for lifelong learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of information literacy competencies of users in the Saulsville public library, South Africa. The rationale was a lack of awareness and the inability of the users to find their information needs based on the task and decision at hand. The descriptive survey design adopted for this study made use of a questionnaire to collect data from 1 120 registered members of the Saulsville library. Of the 1 120 registered users being the population for the study, the authors purposively used 10 per cent (112 members) of the population as sample size. The findings revealed that users of the Saulsville public library had limited awareness and competencies of information literacy. The users were exposed to some form of library orientation and the use of library resources during their visit to the library. The findings further indicated that the users’ information literacy competencies were affirmed through the quality of information obtained and the satisfaction of library services rendered by library staff. The study recommends the acquisition of new technologies that could enhance users’ interactive information literacy training in public libraries and formal education settings.