What is it about?
Information literacy is defined as the set of abilities that enables individuals to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, use, and communicate that information effectively and ethically. It is essential for academic success, lifelong learning, and informed participation in society. It encompasses skills such as applying effective research strategies, making informed choices about credible information sources, critically evaluating content for accuracy and relevance, and using information ethically and legally. Evaluating information literacy programs in universities is important because it helps determine the effectiveness and quality of instruction in equipping students with essential skills for finding, accessing, evaluating, and using information. Evaluation identifies strengths and weaknesses in both student learning outcomes and program delivery, providing feedback for continuous improvement. Evaluating information literacy programs ensures these programs meet educational objectives, remain relevant, and effectively foster students’ critical thinking and information management skills essential in higher education and beyond. This study was conducted at a private university in a developing country in sub-Saharan Africa. This study concludes that information literacy skills are important in equipping undergraduate students to effectively and ethically use information for academic purposes.
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Why is it important?
The evaluation of information literacy is important because it helps determine whether students are effectively gaining critical skills needed to independently locate, evaluate, and use information. Evaluation ensures that information literacy programs are successful in preparing students for academic achievement, lifelong learning, and informed decision-making in an information-rich society. Evaluation is important is demonstrating the value of information literacy to educators, administration and stakeholders. Evaluation is critical to verifying that information literacy efforts fulfil their educational goals and equip students to meet academic, professional, and societal demands effectively.
Perspectives
The study evaluated the effectiveness of the information literacy skills course on the utilisation of various information sources at the Africa University. The objective of the study was to identify whether the teaching of information literacy skills at Africa University is having a positive impact on the students’ use of diverse information resources provided by the University Library in support of the University’s teaching, learning and research activities. Findings indicate that some students do not recognise that the information literacy skills they are learning are transferable and applicable to most areas of their studies. The study concludes that despite information literacy skills’ training at Africa University utilisation of electronic information sources is still low among undergraduate students.
Mr Nevermore Sithole
Africa University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Information Literacy Evaluation: A Case Study of the Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe, British Journal of Education Society & Behavioural Science, January 2015, Sciencedomain International,
DOI: 10.9734/bjesbs/2015/18408.
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