Published June 28, 2024 | Version v1
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Information Literacy Instructional Practices: A Survey of University Libraries in Zambia

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Smart Zambia Institute
  • 2. The University of Zambia

Description

Information literacy (IL) instruction is a fundamental professional practice in which university libraries are the primary pioneers. Therefore, IL is designed to teach library patrons how they can quickly and effectively locate the needed information. The main purpose of the study was to investigate (IL) instructional practices in university libraries in Zambia. The study’s objectives were to evaluate IL Policies; library staffing; time spent on instruction; IL tools being used and the form of support that librarians receive from university faculties. A descriptive research approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A structured self-administered questionnaire was sent via email to 62 university libraries. Out of 62 head university librarians, 60 responded and all questionnaires were used for data analysis. The study results showed that IL programmes exist in some university libraries. However, the practice is low and largely informal. Thus, the study recommends that university libraries should introduce an IL Policy and IL department, lobby for financial support, and deploy trained IL instructors.

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Dates

Copyrighted
2024-06-28
Free Journal Article

References

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