A call for libraries to go green

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Fourie
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Environmental Friendly ◽  
Making A Difference ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

PurposeWhen confronted with a problem where the solution is not clear or obvious, a first step would be to search for more information, trying to make sense of the problem. The intention of this contribution is to make sense of the call for “libraries to go green”, while at the same time to show the potential of explicitly considering information behaviour and the need to draw on the full spectrum of information literacy skills (e.g. recognising and expressing an information need, seeking, using, and disseminating information) to stimulate librarians' interest and confidence in taking on the challenge of going green and making a difference.Design/methodology/approachThe column will be written against the background of research from information literacy, information behaviour, and research on sustainable and environmental friendly library and information (LIS) services.FindingsAlthough rather a limited number, publications on “going green” and the “paperless” library/society address a variety of issues ranging from planning “green” library buildings, to assessing the experiences of LIS professionals in developing sustainable “green libraries”, to information behaviour in using e‐books in academic contexts. Considering the finding and use of information on “going green”, from an information behaviour perspective, helps to bring many issues to consider in furthering research on “going green” to the front.Originality/valueAlthough much has been published about information behaviour and information literacy, and although attempts of publishing on various issues of “green” libraries are noted, the author is not aware of other work aligning these issues.

Reliability and validity of self-efficacy scales assessing students’ information literacy skills

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1035-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper systematically reviews the evidence of reliability and validity of scales available in studies that reported surveys of students to assess their perceived self-efficacy of information literacy (IL) skills. Design/methodology/approach Search in two subject and two general databases and scanning of titles, abstracts and full texts of documents have been carried out in this paper. Findings In total, 45 studies met the eligibility criteria. A large number of studies did not report any psychometric characteristics of data collection instruments they used. The selected studies provided information on 22 scales. The instruments were heterogeneous in number of items and type of scale options. The most used reliability measure was internal consistency (with high values of Cronbach’s alpha), and the most used validity was face/content validity by experts. Practical implications The culture of using good-quality scales needs to be promoted by IL practitioners, authors and journal editors. Originality/value This paper is the first review of its kind, which is useful for IL stakeholders.

Lessons learned from designing flipped lessons for fourth grade students: implications for school librarians

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniella Smith
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Flipped Learning ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine student perceptions of flipped learning lessons designed to teach information literacy skills. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method design was implemented using a paper-based survey and an online focus group. The survey asked questions about the participants’ perceptions of the flipped lessons. The focus group was used to clarify the participants’ responses to the survey questions. Findings A majority of the students enjoyed completing the lessons. Responses also indicated that a majority of the students felt that the lessons helped them prepare for class. However, issues with computers and internet connectivity at home resulted in some of the students completing the lessons before or after school. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to a class of 21 students enrolled in a public school in North Texas. Originality/value There is limited research supporting the value of flipped learning in relation to the technology implementation role of school librarians. This study provides insights into how school librarians can develop flipped learning lessons in collaboration with classroom teachers to improve the information literacy skills of students.

Examining digital information literacy as a determinant of women's online shopping behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Munazza Mahmood ◽  
Syeda Hina Batool ◽  
Muhammad Rafiq ◽  
Muhammad Safdar
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Shopping ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Shopping Behavior ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Online Shopping Behavior

PurposeThe present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive sampling of women, aged between 20–50 years who were buying products online, not from the traditional retail stores. Out of 309 received questionnaires, 269 responses were useable and were utilized for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to deduce inferences.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research approach was employed for this study, and a survey was conducted to collect the data from the study's respondents. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.FindingsResults revealed that the digital information literacy skills of women were good to a moderate level. However, they were not confident in applying advanced searching options. In accordance with what was hypothesized in a directional hypothesis, DIL was found to be a strong predictor of online shopping behavior of women, consequently highlighting the importance of such competencies in modern life. Other findings illustrate that participating women rarely engaged in online shopping and felt hesitation in using credit/debit card for online transactions.Research limitations/implicationsThese observations highlight the important role of information professionals in creating digital literacy among different population groups, specifically women, by planning digital information instruction through courses, workshops and trainings. This could eventually be possible with the dynamic role of librarians or information professionals in the society.Originality/valueThe present study adopts the unique approach of measuring online shopping behavior of female shoppers in connection with their digital information literacy skills.

‘Read it, now what? Engaging students with information literacy’

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Foord
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Information Professional ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this action research study was to explore whether enabling work-based students to identify their information literacy (IL) needs and participate in activity design would increase their IL and enhance their academic performance.Design/methodology/approachInitially students reflected on their own knowledge, skills and engagement with IL. Next, they identified aspects of IL that challenged them. Students worked in small groups to identify tasks and activities to enhance their skills. They completed practical IL tasks during a taught session. A scoring rubric assessed student engagement with IL. Concurrently a qualitative questionnaire was developed and used to explore the student experience of the intervention.FindingsThe study found that students did engage with information literacy and there was an improvement in the pass rate from previous cohorts. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that students felt that the interaction had benefitted their engagement with IL and their learning and understanding as a result.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was a small study at one higher education institution and cannot therefore be considered generalizable. It does nevertheless provide valuable insights in terms of student engagement with IL.Practical implicationsThis study influenced the delivery of the subsequent modules. It has the potential to influence the delivery of information literacy skills on health and social care apprenticeships.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the literature exploring the relationship between students and information literacy. Enhancing the discourse from the instructor perspective rather than that of the information professional.

Integrating Information Behaviour and Information Literacy During Academic Tasks: A Comparative Study of Japanese and Canadian Undergraduate Students in Canadian Universities

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Ishimura ◽  
Joan C. Bartlett
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Academic Tasks ◽  
Canadian Universities ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Premier Cycle ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

This presentation reports preliminary results from doctoral research that investigates the information behaviour and information literacy skills of Japanese and Canadian undergraduate students during their research tasks in Canadian universities. Differences and similarities in behaviours and skills between the two groups are identified through analysis of research portfolios and interviews.Cette communication présente les résultats préliminaires d'une étude doctorale portant sur le comportement informationnel et la maîtrise de l'information des étudiants japonais et canadiens de premier cycle lors de leurs travaux de recherche dans les universités canadiennes. Les différences et les similitudes dans les comportements et les habiletés des deux groupes sont décelées au moyen de l'analyse des dossiers de recherche et d'entrevues.

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.

An assessment of academic library services: international and domestic students perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 631-653
Author(s):  
Sanaz Soltani ◽  
Shahrokh Nikou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

PurposeInformation literacy is defined as discrete abilities that a person requires to have in order to find, assess, use and share information. As information literacy skills play a prominent role in the students' academic achievement, students and in particular international students coming to continue their postgraduate studies in other countries may face problems in finding and using library services. The purpose of this paper is to explore and investigate the information literacy skills, challenges and needs of international and domestic students at the Finnish universities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey (82 respondents) and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 international and 10 domestic students.FindingsAcademic library services are used but in different ways. The findings indicate that international students have a relatively low level of information literacy skills compared to domestic students and faces various challenges, especially in the beginning of their studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory, and data were collected from limited number of Finnish universities and may not be representative of the underlying population.Practical implicationsAcademic libraries should provide effective courses on research methods and library services to the international students while keeping in mind the international students language and cultural barriers.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts in information literacy research that focusses on international and domestic students' information literacy skills at the higher education environment. As such, the results provided in this paper can help librarians and decision-makers at the higher education environments to plan better and become more efficient in delivering information services meeting students' information needs and expectations.

Assessment of information literacy skills and information-seeking behavior of medical students in the age of technology: a study of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-94
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sohail Haider ◽  
Chen Ya
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Staff

Purpose Information literacy skills (ILSs) and information-seeking behavior (ISB) is a widespread topic that needs modern technologies to improve the technical skills of the students. The purpose of this study is to assess the usage of library resources for medical college students. To explore and understand the student’s level of satisfaction, learning and seeking behavior by efficient information retrieval systems. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a quantitative research method and data was collected from the undergraduate students of medical colleges Islamabad Pakistan. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 using Pearson correlation statistical test to identify the level of proficiency of correlation of variables and testing of the proposed hypothesis. Findings The finding of the study shows that the medical students can enhance their IT skills to seek the information in this technology era. The medical institutional administration can develop the education development policy, traditional health education policy, funds allocating policy, health information literacy and collaborate with library staff for enhancing the services and to meet the information need of medical students. Practical implications The conclusion of this study is very helpful to reduce the barriers between the students and the library staff. The findings of the study are also beneficial for the administration to improve and develop the strategies for enhancing the ILSs of medical students to achieve medical educational information in the age of technology. Therefore, all significant structures want to improve and to develop the environment of information seeking by medical students to achieve medical educational information. Social implications Medical college library administrative management must be design useful a durable policy to come up with the technology development for digital literacy. The study reduces the barriers between the students and the library staff. Originality/value The study is based on quantitative research method to find out ISB of medical students.

Agoge: an information literacy game for transfer students

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Kearns ◽  
Breanne A. Kirsch ◽  
Virginia Cononie
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interactive Game ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Admissions Process

Purpose This paper aims to describe a successful outreach to transfer students through an interactive information literacy game. While the main purpose of the game is to introduce students to research and university library resources, it also allows for an analysis of incoming students’ information literacy skills. Design/methodology/approach This case study outlines the evolution of the game from a test-like tutorial administered through the Blackboard course management system to an interactive game in two iterations, describing the game in relation to game design and best practices and discussing how the artwork for the game was created. An analysis of data from student answers to the game questions over time shows what librarians have learned about the information literacy skills of incoming transfer students. Finally, student feedback about the game collected through a survey is presented along with ideas for future modifications. Findings This paper provides insights into the design and creation process of an interactive information literacy game and a model for how similar games can help librarians assess students’ information literacy skills. Practical implications Transfer students are hard to reach as a group at many institutions. An interactive game targeted to transfers during the admissions process is a potentially effective way to reach out to them. Originality/value This paper brings together two important issues in the library literature: how to reach out to transfer students and educational library games. Librarians involved with these issues will benefit from the paper’s insights and practical advice.

Mark Hepworth: in memoriam

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-260
Author(s):  
Thomas Jackson ◽  
Peter Willett
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
In Memoriam

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to honour the contributions of Mark Hepworth to library and information science (LIS). Design/methodology/approach The personal views of the two authors, both of whom knew Hepworth for many years. Findings The significance of Hepworth’s research in LIS, in particular to studies of information behaviour and information literacy. Originality/value Demonstrates the community’s appreciation of Hepworth’s contributions to the discipline.

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