Information and digital literacy: a stumbling block to development?. A Pakistan perspective
| Date | 02 January 2009 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120910927565 |
| Pages | 99-112 |
| Published date | 02 January 2009 |
| Author | Kanwal Ameen,G.E. Gorman |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Information and digital literacy:
a stumbling block to development?
A Pakistan perspective
Kanwal Ameen
Department of Library and Information Science, Punjab University, Lahore,
Pakistan, and
G.E. Gorman
School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington,
Wellington, New Zealand
Abstract
Purpose – The paper aims to explore the overall state of information and digital illiteracy (IDL) in
developing countries and how it hampers the growth of individuals and nations. The case of Pakistan
is to be used as an example to illustrate the endemic state of poor information and digital literacy. It
also aims to discuss the general drawbacks to effective IDL in developing Asian countries.
Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the objectives of the study, the literature review and
result of Pakistan-based surveys are used to indicate the state of IDL among university students and
faculty in one country while integrating these findings with discussion.
Findings – It was found that in Pakistan, as elsewhere, IL/IDL practice and training are not the norm
in libraries or in education; they are not operational priorities. The low level of IL/IDL among the
educated classes contributes to the status quo of information illiterate citizens. It also establishes that
becoming “critical consumers” of information is essential for personal and national empowerment.
Originality/value – The study explores the overall status of IDL in the developing countries using
case of Pakistan as example. It suggests conducting local research on contextually relevant literacies
and IL/IDL. The paper invokes the appreciation for making IL/IDL an integral part of learning
programmes at all levels.
Keywords Information literacy, Developingcountries, Education, Pakistan,Disadvantage groups
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Throughout Asia the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is
undergoing tremendous growth. In countries such as Pakistan, India, Singapore and
Vietnam, government policies on the whole have been very IT-friendly in order to
nurture the digital paradigm. In Vietnam, for example, on 7 May 2007 the then
Ministry of Culture and Information issued its Decision on Approval of Vietnam’ s
Master Library Development Plan until 2010 and Visions to 2020, which stated, in part,
that the vision to 2020 would include:
.Application of high technology to modernise the library sector with particular
focus on digital and e-library development.
.The collection, preservation and promotion of library-based cultural heritage,
adopting “highly informative technologies” (Vietnam MCI, 2007).
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
Information and
digital literacy
99
Received 29 July 2008
Revised 25 August 2008
Accepted 1 October 2008
Library Management
Vol. 30 No. 1/2, 2009
pp. 99-112
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120910927565
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