Information Literacy Competency Assessment of Research Scholars in a University Environment

A study was conducted in Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University, Vijayapura to know the information literacy competency level of the research scholars. Questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. The present research is based on experimental research design. Initial competency assessment was tested in the pre-test. A programme was developed and implemented as a treatment and effectiveness of the programme was checked in the post-test. The study found that the majority of the respondents were aware regarding competency assessment. More than 90% of the research scholars agree with identifying the research topic and any other information. The majority (91.4%) of the respondents are able to develop a thesis statement and formulate questions based on the competency assessment. More than 71% of the research scholars opine that they can identify general and subject specific information sources. Majority (93.4%) of the research scholars are cleared that they know to define and modify competency assessment. The authors suggest the University to take steps to impart information literacy programmes to the research scholars. And, such training should be need for the research level also to attain the advanced level skills and expertise.