The effect of information literacy on the utilization of electronic information resources in selected academic and research institutions in Uganda
| Pages | 328-341 |
| Published date | 12 June 2007 |
| Date | 12 June 2007 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470710754832 |
| Author | Alison Annet Kinengyere |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
The effect of information literacy
on the utilization of electronic
information resources in selected
academic and research
institutions in Uganda
Alison Annet Kinengyere
Sir Albert Cook Medical Library, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Abstract
Purpose – Uganda has gone a step forward in ensuring that information resources available for
researchers and students are maximally utilized. Academic and research libraries are participating in
supporting and achieving the missions of their respective institutions by teaching the competency of
information literacy (IL). This paper seeks to examine the effect IL has had on the usage of electronic
information resources in academic and research institutions in Uganda. It aims to focus on the
innovations that Makerere University Library (the biggest and oldest academic library in Uganda) has
undertaken to ensure that library users (the Makerere University community and other collaborating
universities and research institutions in Uganda) are trained on how to access a variety of available
information resources, evaluate the information and apply it to address their needs.
Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected for the study usinginterviews to both library
staff and users of the selected institutions: two library staff in charge of e-resources and ten
students/researchers were interviewed from each institution. However, user statistics for the years
2004-2005, as well as the IL training sessions conducted, were the main sources of information. The
study focused on academic and research institutions – Makerere University, Uganda, Martyrs
University, Nkozi andNational Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). The researcher is physically
involved in the IL programin Makerere University. The usage statistics were compiled andinterpreted.
Findings – The paper finds that availability of information does not necessarily mean actual use.
The study shows that some of the available resources have not been utilized at all. This means that
users are not aware of the availability of such resources, they do not know how to access them, or they
do not know what the resources offer. All this calls for continued information literacy programs. IL is
very vital in influencing utilization of e-resources. Information professionals are needed to pass on IL
skills to library users, while library users should endeavor to find out what information is available
online for their consumption. Their attitudes and perceptions also influence the level of utilization.
Originality/value – The paper shows the extent of information literacy and its influence on
electronic resources in Uganda. It points out the challenges for the future and provides a number of
recommendations for the way forward, which will be helpful both to the relevant communities in
Uganda and to other academics in similar circumstances.
Keywords Information literacy, Electronic media,Academic libraries, Librarians,
Research organizations, Uganda
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Instruction and research in the twenty-first century rely on individual skills and on the
best information accessible to students and researchers. Information literacy (IL)
encompasses more than good information-seeking behavior. It involves ab ilities to
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
25,3
328
Received 11 May 2006
Revised 28 July 2006
Accepted 28 July 2006
The Electronic Library
Vol. 25 No. 3, 2007
pp. 328-341
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470710754832
To continue reading
Request your trial