Assessing Information Literacy Competencies of Fresh Students at Bauchi State University Gadau: Insights from the Library Environment (Published)
The purpose of this study is to understand the levels of freshers’ information literacy skills at Bauchi State University Gadau, Nigeria. This study was conducted using cross sectional survey research method A questionnaire developed was used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages and frequencies that was described in chart formats. The target population in this study comprise of 3,236 freshers during the 2022/2023 academic session of Bauchi State University Gadau. Based on the simple random sampling method, the sample size is three hundred and forty-four (344) as determined by the statistical formulation provided by Yamane (1967). The findings showed that the freshers acquire information literacy skills during orientation, workshops or from course syllabus. the study also found that freshers at Bauchi State University Gadau do not have the proper understanding of the concept of information literacy and cannot identify credible sources of information. Thus, this study recommends that more formal training programmes concerning information literacy skills need to be integrated into freshers’ curriculum to support the students learning and can improve their understanding of the concept of information literacy skills.
Keywords: Information literacy, freshers, information literacy skills, understanding
Integrating Data Literacy into Information Literacy Programmes: Any Difference? (Published)
There is an urgent need to address data literacy in undergraduate library instruction. In Africa and especially in Nigeria, the need for a data information literacy program (DIL) to prepare students to engage in an electronic research environment is also articulated by scholars in recent literature. However, the question as to whether data literacy should replace information literacy has not been properly articulated in recent times in Africa even though it is acknowledged that the resultant effect of this data literacy is expected to precipitate the advent of the data revolution and the rise of digital technologies which are needed in today’s information age. The question of the degree of the nature of the integration of data literacy into information literacy programs and how it could be taught synergistically and push data literacy strategically for the fourth industrial revolution is a major fulcrum of this study. This paper, therefore, involves a theoretical and systematic literature engagement with a focus on integrating data literacy into information literacy programs in academic libraries and in undergraduate library instruction and curriculum.
Keywords: Academic Library, Information literacy, data literacy, fourth industrial revolution, library instruction
Methods and Channels of Acquiring Information Literacy among Students in Creating Awareness on Library Services: A Case of Margaret Thatcher Library, Moi University, Kenya (Published)
Academic libraries have a mandate of enhancing teaching and research missions of their parent institutions through provision of library services. The emergence of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionized functions and services of libraries all over the world. Technological developments have affected not only the format and sources of the information libraries use to provide reference services, but also where we provide references services. Libraries and their resources have partially moved to the virtual world of the internet. As a result, library patrons can access resources from outside of the physical library. This paper shares findings of a study which identified the different information literacy methods and channels through which information literacy was used to create awareness of library services at Moi University, Kenya. The study was conducted through case study design. The target population comprised 32 library staff and 10,470 students. A sample of 457 respondents was selected breaking down to 425 students and 32 library staff. Probability and non-probability sampling adopted for the sample selection. Data collection methods consisted of questionnaires and interviews. This study used a mixed approach method where Quantitative data were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics and presented in tables while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that library users are aware of the library services available and its access has been made possible through knowledge of internet skills gained from lectures given, handbooks and Bibliographic aid. Social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and online videos) are some of the effective channels that were identified. It is recommended that academic librarians provide more instruction to students and faculty who seek information. That students should be guided always through the borrowing procedures and issuance of copies of the library guide be improved.
Keywords: Information Technology, Information literacy, Internet, Library Services