DSpace Collection: ICoLIS2008

AN E-COLLABORATIVE SELECTION AND USE OF E-RESOURCES TOOL FOR INFORMATION LITERACY IN A SAUDI ARABIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR FEMALES

Title: AN E-COLLABORATIVE SELECTION AND USE OF E-RESOURCES TOOL FOR INFORMATION LITERACY IN A SAUDI ARABIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR FEMALES

Authors: Abuzaid, Rana Ahmed S.; Diljit Singh

Abstract: Today, a knowledge society is characterized by information literacy, and the introduction of new business models in many domains, including education. However, in developing countries, information literacy is very limited. This can be attributed to many reasons such as less accessing and availability of e-resources, technical problems, cultural aspects, and the lack of qualified librarians. Earlier studies have indicated that students need exposure to e-resources to overcome the information literacy among students. The purpose of this study was to help to overcome the limitation of e-resources exposure by learners in Saudi Arabia or in other words how to let school students in developing countries get exposed to e-resources .To attain this objective, the researcher developed an E-Collaborative Selection and Use of E-resources Tool (ECSUET) for coursework development. The study methodology was descriptive methods; it used interview and questionnaire for data collection. This study was carried out at Al-Bayan Model Girls’ Secondary School, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study examined the learners’ satisfaction with the availability, variety, accessibility of e-resources using ECSUET for science subject. The study covered all 116 students enrolled in Semester 1 and 2 of the school’s 2007/2008 academic year. The study findings showed that the overall mean of the questionnaire was 3.91 which means that the students are receptive of using ECSUET. A total of 88.8% students gave ECSUET evaluation mark of 8-10 (out of 10 marks), which indicates that students’ satisfaction level of using the tool is high. In addition 97.4% of students stated that ECSUET should be used for all subjects. These findings would be useful for other developing nations which would like to apply using similar tool in different languages in order to inculcate information literacy among their students.

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

TAKING SNAPSHOTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSMENTS OF HIGH LEVEL INFORMATION COMPETENCE

Title: TAKING SNAPSHOTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSMENTS OF HIGH LEVEL INFORMATION COMPETENCE

Authors: Cacha, Lleuvelyn A.; Abrizah Abdullah

Abstract: This paper attempts to take snapshots of the numerous information literacy assessment procedures for higher education using the lens (through selected evaluation criteria) through which many different teaching and learning assessment approaches with their composite cognitive activities unfold. In the process, we recognized that the lens itself shape how we interpret the salient aspects and diverse construct of information literacy and the conceptions, as well as pedagogical approach of information literacy for higher education in the context of a technological environment. While looking closely at these assessment procedures, it becomes clear to us that helping students achieve high information competence cannot be accomplished in one setting. Information literacy must be integrated throughout academic career, because the skills that revolve around information literacy have become the critical skills of today’s society. This study is still in its infancy, and in this paper we present the preliminary evaluation of the different types of information literacy assessment procedures offered for higher education. There are certain aspects that need to be scrutinized such as reliability and validity and other psychometric and statistical concepts, and how these aspects were achieved in some instruments. However, through the assessment reviews, various measurement approaches have indicated interactive tutorials and quiz modules are not, by their very nature, easily validated by standardization procedures. Some are more complicated to administer - with complex set of variations, yet they are clearly aimed to analyze and evaluate the magnitude of learning competence to predict future performance in the academia and corporate settings. There is no assessment that fits for all population and no single formula that allows one to match the perfect delivery method to particular circumstances. Each assessment methodology has its weaknesses and strengths. However, the guiding principle should always be to choose the most appropriate assessment method available to measure the desired learning outcome. Significantly, the realization that information literacy exists as an integral part of students’ basic learning assessment is now widespread globally. Information competence is vital to university’s students’ academic achievements and professional success and it will contribute to their lifelong learning. This paper is undertaken towards development or adaptation of such a quantifiable assessment tool for measuring the level of information literacy among students of higher education.

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

TEACHER LIBRARIANS’ ROLES IN INFORMATION LITERACY INSTRUCTION IN BANGKOK SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Title: TEACHER LIBRARIANS’ ROLES IN INFORMATION LITERACY INSTRUCTION IN BANGKOK SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Authors: Songsaengchan, Suphat; Chansawang, Boonyuen; Prapinpongsakorn, Sasipimol

Abstract: The purposes of this study are to: investigate the situation of library instruction in secondary schools in Bangkok; study the roles of teacher librarians in these schools regarding information literacy instruction; and compare these teacher librarians’ roles by classifying them according to their Library and Information Science(LIS) educational background, length of working experience and library instruction experiences. The samples are 102 teacher librarians. The first research tool is AASL and AECT standardized questionnaires covering three standards: information literacy, independent learning and social responsibility. The second tool is an interview with eleven teacher librarians. SPSS for Windows is used to analyze the data and F-test and t-test are used to assess the hypotheses. The results are as follows: (a) The status of library instruction comprises both formal and informal instructions. As for formal instruction, a customized library class is included in the lower secondary education curriculum, while most organized activities for informal instruction includes advice on learning resources and information retrieval; (b) Considering teacher librarians' roles in information literacy instruction, both overall and specific results are high. However, the results from the interview reveal that most teacher librarians do not have true understanding of what they are teaching; (c) The comparison results of teacher librarians’ roles in information literacy instruction are first, on the LIS educational background item, the overall differentiation of statistical significance is 0.5. Teacher librarians with LIS degree have more important roles than those who do not. The specific results also show some differences in terms of information literacy and independent learning. Second, on the item of the length of working experience, no difference is found from both overall and specific results. Third, the overall results on library instruction experience item show no difference. However, the specific results show some difference on the social responsibility item. Teacher librarians with high level of teaching experience have more important roles than those with moderate level of experience.

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

THE NET AS RESEARCH TOOL - AN ANALYSIS OF THE INTERNET SEARCH ENGINES USE: IMPLICATIONS FOR INFORMATION LITERACY IN PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION

Title: THE NET AS RESEARCH TOOL - AN ANALYSIS OF THE INTERNET SEARCH ENGINES USE: IMPLICATIONS FOR INFORMATION LITERACY IN PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION

Authors: Kim Hong, Yeoh; Teck Chai, Lau

Abstract: This study reports the use of Internet search engines as an information and research tools among business undergraduates at a private university in Malaysia. It attempts to investigate students web searching behavior in using the Internet as an information seeking and searching tools via the commercial search engine in academic learning. The study compares the statistical differences on years of computer technology experiences, levels of study and gender with the types of Internet search engines. A total of 361 respondents from 3 levels of study; year 1, 2 and 3 consisting of undergraduate students from three business courses participated in this research. The extent and pattern of Internet search engines use in searching information for research were examined on the relationships between the following independent variables: years of computer technology experiences, levels of study and gender with the dependent variables of three Internet search engines, namely Google, Yahoo and MSN, as research tools. Hypotheses tests were conducted to examine if mean scores were significant using one-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test. Differences were observed in the case of gender with all the three search engines. As for years of computer technology experiences, significant difference was observed only for Goggle. The post hoc test conducted shows a significant difference in the search engines use between respondents reported with less than 2 years of computer technology experience and those who have more that two years of technology experience. The mean score results suggested that those who have more experience using computer technology tend to use Google more often as a research tool compared to students who have less than 2 years of computer experience. In the case of levels of study, no significant differences were observed among the three types of search engines. The results provide insight into business students use of the Internet search engines in information seeking for research activities in their undergraduates course studies. The findings of this study have its implications for information literacy initiatives in higher education in Malaysia. The importance of disseminating information skills to students through various concerted efforts and approaches between the management, information professionals and the faculty to inculcate the ability to recognize, find, and discerning the quality of information retrieved from the Internet are discussed.

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

INFORMATION LITERACY FOR MANAGING COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN A KNOWLEDGESOCIETY ENVIRONMENT

Title: INFORMATION LITERACY FOR MANAGING COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN A KNOWLEDGESOCIETY ENVIRONMENT

Authors: Neelameghan, A.; Chester, Greg

Abstract: This paper focuses on and discusses the knowledge, competencies, and qualities necessary for information professionals, knowledge managers and others undertaking information provision and knowledge management among, rural and indigenous communities especially in developing countries where knowledge societies are emerging. We propose that it is useful and possible to widen the scope of knowledge management (KM) beyond the enterprise environment, applying it to community knowledge, taking into consideration not only the Collaborative and Semantic dimensions but also the Structural/Organizational, Technological, Policy, Legislative, Cultural, Spiritual, Space, and Time dimensions. This implies trans- or multi-generational transference of knowledge both formal and informal. These factors may play an enabling role or create barriers to communication and knowledge transfer. The common characteristics of rural, native communities need to be understood and the valuable tacit environmental knowledge acquired by indigenous communities need to be shared and used for the benefit of the nation as a whole and the global community of nations and nation states. The need to create the means and methods of accessing, acquiring, disseminating and using such knowledge for the good of the society at large are considered to be within the scope of the work of information professionals and knowledge managers. The problems and barriers in interacting with indigenous and rural people and the role of emerging information and communication technologies in reaching out are examined. Enabling the rural community members to become information literate to seek and obtain the information they need and ensuring that they are not exploited, but that they benefit from and enjoy their participation in the national development process through appropriate information services. All these are an integral part of the information literacy of the professionals. In designing and developing programs for the education and training (formal and informal) of information professionals, knowledge managers, and extension workers to perform effectively with indigenous and rural communities, the inclusion of the topics suggested in this paper are worth considering

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

TEACHING INFORMATION LITERACY THE SMMMART B WAY

Title: TEACHING INFORMATION LITERACY THE SMMMART B WAY

Authors: David, Lourdes T.

Abstract: From 2004 to 2006, the teachers and librarians of 22 Quezon City Public Schools participated in the project “Building Learning Communities through Libraries” under the auspices of ILFA ALP. The project aimed to teach teachers and librarians about their roles in enabling students acquire information literacy skills. The immediate outcome expected of the project was a guide for teaching and acquiring information literacy skills that was targeted to primary and secondary school students. During the first year of the project the teachers and librarians were introduced to different information literacy models and initiatives in the region after which five teacher librarians were tasked with developing a model to be used in the 22 participating schools. The model was tested and revised several times until a final model called SMMMART B was produced. The model was presented to the teachers and librarians of the participating schools in the second year of the project. To test the applicability and effectiveness of the model, copies of the guides and posters were distributed and used in five schools. Informal interviews of teachers and librarians indicate that the guide is being used. The project recommended the production of more copies of the guide to reach a wider population of students and a follow-up study after one year to determine its impact on the students of participating schools. The survey instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of the guide will be developed by teachers and librarians in the participating schools.

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

WILL THE INTERNET REPLACE LIBRARIES? – AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON UNIVERSITY BUSINESS STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENT

Title: WILL THE INTERNET REPLACE LIBRARIES? – AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON UNIVERSITY BUSINESS STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC ENVIRONMENT

Authors: Chin, Kian Low; Kim, Hong Yeoh; Teck, Chai Lau

Abstract: Traditionally, academic libraries have been viewed central to information seeking and acquisition of knowledge in learning. However, the Internet has become an alternative tool for university students in information seeking and access due to its convenience and ease of use. Some literature indicates that the popularity of using the Internet by students in learning is challenging the existence of physical libraries. The purpose of this study is to investigate undergraduate business students’ perceptions of internet and library in academic information seeking. A total of 334 respondents from a private university participated in this research. The participants consist of Year 1 to Year 3 business students. Chi-square test was conducted to determine the relationships of demographic characteristics on two aspects: (1) how reliable the materials found at the internet compared to materials of the academic library; (2) the belief the internet will eventually replace libraries. The study examines the associations between the independent variables of gender, levels of study and years of computer technology experiences with dependent variables of nonparametric data. The results provide exploratory understanding of business students’ perceptions of an information centre compared to an information portal in the electronic environment. On the issue of reliability of materials obtain on the Internet compared to academic library, majority (65%) of the respondents, regardless of their gender, year of study and year of computer technology experiences generally agreed that both sources are equally reliable. As for the students’ belief of Internet will eventually replace libraries, significant relationship was found on the levels of study, but not on gender and years of computer technology experiences. Implications for the need of paradigm shift in academic librarians to reposition the role and services of academic library to one of its major target customers – students in users’ training activities on the use of electronic resources; and the importance of inculcating information literacy in the digital environment are discussed

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

INFORMATION LITERACY AND PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Title: INFORMATION LITERACY AND PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Authors: Bandyopadhyay, Ratna

Abstract: Information literacy is a critical component of this information age. An informed citizen is the basis of an active democracy and information literacy is important for sustaining democratic institutions. The objective of the UN Literacy Decade (2003-2012) is to provide information literate environments. The National Literacy Mission in India has given stress on ‘skill improvement to improve economic status and well being.’ The National Knowledge Commission in India has also mentioned in its objectives the integration of library and information services with people’s daily lives. So far the information literacy programmes, standards, skills that have been taken up, developed or that are being practiced are mainly restricted to academic institutions, higher education. But information literacy objectives aim at all types of users of the community. Librarians of the public libraries are in a crucial position as its target users comprise of all age groups with different educational background from all communities including visually and otherwise physically challenged users, indigenous community, economically backward communities, etc. The state of West Bengal, India has 2821 government and government sponsored public libraries and Community Libraries cum Information Centres (CLIC). Besides these there are 2200 non government and non sponsored libraries. Out of these 1722 public libraries and 341 CLICs are in rural areas. In some of the rural areas public libraries are the only libraries serving different user groups in the community. These public libraries are providing, to different extents, health related, job related, career related, cultural, and professional as well as general information services to make the target communities information literate in every respect and to bring a difference in people’s lives. This paper evaluates the services of the public libraries in West Bengal. It was found that users prefer the following information literacy services offered by public libraries: information related to their occupations, health and family welfare, jobs and careers. These services are generally provided through TV programs, audio-visual materials, information kiosks and internet access to websites. It has been found that many sections of society have been benefited. For example participation in government schemes for women has increased and literacy rate and work participation rate of tribal people has also gone up. Emphasis is given to recommendations relevant to information literacy provided in the IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines for the Development of Public Library Services. We also give some directions to introduce innovative services to make the information literacy programmes more effective. These recommendations for public libraries include providing computer labs with internet access for training to users in internet and computer usage. Information literacy programmes should be taken out of the library for prisoners, hospital and home-bound patients. Also for communities with low literacy rates information literacy programmes should be conducted with audio-visual materials for greater effectiveness. Audio-visual materials for information literacy programmes are being prepared by about 55 government departments and 30 NGOs. Public libraries should step in to coordinate their activities to avoid duplication and share these resources to benefit more people.

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

USING COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS IN SCHOOL AND LIBRARIES TO PROMOTE LITERACIES

Title: USING COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS IN SCHOOL AND LIBRARIES TO PROMOTE LITERACIES

Authors: Faezal Muniran; Md Ridzal Md Yusof

Abstract: The majorities of comics and graphic novels readers are children and teenagers. Living in the society dominated by printed and electronic media, there is a huge demand for a variety of information sources ranging from films, television shows, magazines and the Internet. Exposures from these sources also affect the learning process in school and classroom. Apart from films, the dynamic style and presentation with infused visual storytelling in comics and graphic novel are making these medium much more interesting than textbooks. Using comics and graphic novels in schools and libraries will help to encourage the undeveloped and special needs students to get into reading and promote literacies. Although comics are always being associated with humor, heavier themes and genre (such as humanity, fiction, fantasy, religion and history) contents can also be delivered in much simpler and interesting way with this medium. Involvement and continuous support from the comic industry (Comic artist and cartoonist, publisher), academic institution (schools, libraries, researchers, universities) together with the government is crucial in realizing these efforts. This paper will look forward into the potential collaborative roles, functions and awareness of using comics and graphic novels as teaching and learning aid in the classroom and library.

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008

ASSESSING INFORMATION LITERACY COMPETENCY OF RESEARCH STUDENTS IN INDIA: A CASE STUDY

Title: ASSESSING INFORMATION LITERACY COMPETENCY OF RESEARCH STUDENTS IN INDIA: A CASE STUDY

Authors: Bavakutty, M.; Nasirudheen, T. P. O.

Abstract: The study presents the information literacy competency of the research scholars in the Kerala University, India. The study analyses the problems faced by the research scholars in formulation of research topic, identification and evaluation of information sources and designing the strategies of information retrieval. The study also attempts to determine the quality of information sources used by the research students and compare the information literacy competency of science and non-science students. The study implies that adequate measures have to be taken in higher educational and research institutions to equip the students with the information literacy skills even during their graduation/post-graduation period. The findings drive us to the urgency of information literacy programs to be taken up in our universities and research institutions not for one time, but rather on a continuous basis

Description: In Towards an information literate society: proceedings of the International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society, ICoLIS 2008, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 18-19 November 2008