Assessment of the information literacy competencies of academics in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the information literacy competencies of lecturers in Nigeria with specific reference to academics in the Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Seven (7) specific objectives and seven (7) research questions guided the study. The research design was descriptive. Using a simple random sample technique, a sample of 100 was drawn from a population of 241 lecturers from seven Departments in the Faculty of Education of the University. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire developed specifically for the study. The findings revealed that lecturers have a high literacy level in information media, materials, tools and systems. The findings also revealed that the lecturers possessed literacy skills in the area of user education, library literacy, information literacy, media literacy and internet literacy. Furthermore, it was found that lack of mission statement on information literacy among others impacted negatively on their development of information literacy skills. Understanding the importance of information literacy competencies of university lecturers is important for learning, teaching and research in the university. The study has implications for the university authority. In view of the importance of information literacy for successful educational outcomes, it is important that the university provides the academic staff with the necessary support that will ensure that they have the skills required for success in the academic environment.

Keywords: Education, Information literacy, Information literacy skills, lecturers, Literacy competencies, Nigeria