Exploring the university research scholars’ information literacy competency: a focus on the knowledge and skills
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-03-2021-0029 |
| Published date | 18 January 2022 |
| Date | 18 January 2022 |
| Pages | 365-373 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Library & information services,Lending,Document delivery,Collection building & management,Stock revision,Consortia |
| Author | Kalai Senthur Selvi,Perumal Ganesan |
Exploring the university research scholars’
information literacy competency: a focus on the
knowledge and skills
Kalai Senthur Selvi
Department of Library and Information Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India, and
Perumal Ganesan
Central Library, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to determine the level of knowledge in searching, evaluating, information management competency and to find
differences among research scholars’in terms of their information literacy (IL) competency with regards to gender and academic designation.
Design/methodology/approach –A survey method was conducted to collect the data from the research scholars’pursuing their doctoral degrees
in Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tamil Nadu, India.
Findings –The results of this study revealed that the majority have used simple search and were not using the Online Public Access Catalogue. They
were not able to assess the information retrieved and the assistance from the library staff to locate the resources was found to be minimal. This
study also highlighted some of the problems faced by the research scholars and provided some sug gestions based on the findings. This study
highlights the need to adopt a new IL framework and conduct user literacy training programmes for effective use of the resources.
Practical implications –This study also has practical implications in terms of assessing the IL competency among the research scholars and
significant variations which identified through demographics and assessment of IL competency will enable policymakers to deve lop a framework for
brand new literacy instructions. The results may help to frame long-term strategies to motivate and train the research scholars in the eff ective use of
technologies for improving their academic performance.
Originality/value –This study used a questionnaire as tool to collect the data. The outcome of the results will help the librarians and authorities to
discuss research scholars’IL competency and take appropriate decisions to improve their IL skills.
Keywords University, Higher education institution, Information literacy, Assessment of information, Literacy competency, Research scholars
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
For many years, the internet hasbecome a medium for storage
and retrieval of information. Rapid growth of knowledge is
happening because of the internet and information and
communication technologies (ICTs). These changes in
technology and growth of information have forced libraries to
transform their style of functioning (Baro et al., 2019;Mishra,
2019). The digital platform provides instant information in
diverse formats without the checking mechanism for the
authenticity or accuracy (Ameen and Naeem, 2021). Lack of
adequate knowledge about informationliteracy skills (ILS) will
not help the scholars in accessing relevant information. The
present digital environment has necessitated the users to
acquire ILS to identify, retrieve, evaluate and use the
information(Russell, 2008).
Information literacy (IL) involves knowledge and the use of
competency and skills together for effective use of information
(Baro et al.,2011). It helps the users to locate the relevant
information and acquire different levels of literacy skills
(Rubinic et al., 2013). Digital literacy provides fundamentals
for searching, evaluating and managing the resources ethically
(Cordell, 2013;Angello, 2010). Knowing where the
information is available and how to accessis a challenging task
to every user in this globalized scenario. Though there are a
good number of search engines available,but in real sense, they
bring huge amount of information in which much of the
informationmay not berelevant to the intended search.
Research scholars gather information for the successful
completion of their research work. Libraries serve as a nerve
centre in providing valuableinformation to the researchers. To
use the resources available through web, the users need to be
educated in the techniques of searching for information. Most
of the universities are offering IL as part of the curricula, and
the primary reason for offering these courses is to make them
information literate and to acquaint them with various sources
The current issue and full text archiveof this journal is available on Emerald
Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/2398-6247.htm
Information Discovery and Delivery
50/4 (2022) 365–373
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2398-6247]
[DOI 10.1108/IDD-03-2021-0029]
Received 16 March 2021
Revised 18 May 2021
15 June 2021
27 July 2021
20 August 2021
12 October 2021
20 October 2021
Accepted 8 November 2021
365
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