LIBRARY LITERACY AMONG LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE STUDENTS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study investigated library literacy among Library and Information Science (LIS) students in selected universities in South-South Nigeria. The study specifically examined the extent of library literacy among library and information science students, identified the factors influencing their library literacy, and examined the challenges affecting their library literacy in the selected universities. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 253 library and information students in selected universities in South-South Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and simple percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study revealed that library and information science students possess library literacy to a great extent. The study further showed that factors such as ICT skills, library orientation programmes, librarian assistance, and availability of information resources influence students’ library literacy. It was also found that challenges such as poor internet connectivity, inadequate training, insufficient learning materials, and limited time negatively affect library literacy among the students. Based on the findings, the study concluded that although library and information science students demonstrate a good level of library literacy, certain institutional and infrastructural challenges still hinder its effective development. The study recommended improved ICT training, enhanced library orientation programmes, better internet facilities, adequate provision of learning resources, and continuous user education for the students.