Role of information literacy programs in enhancing information access in private institutions of higher learning: a case of Marist international university college.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of information literacy programs in enhancing information access in institutions of higher learning. The objectives of the study were to: examine the perception of Students towards information literacy programs; identify the availability of resources for teaching and learning information literacy; find out the instructional methods used in offering information literacy programs; determine the level of collaboration between the library staff and the faculty; find out the major challenges encountered in the provision of information literacy programs and suggest ways of addressing the challenges. The study used descriptive design method and the sample comprised 46 respondents made up of 42 students and 4 library staff from Marist International University College. The study used both questionnaires and interview guides as the data collection instruments. Major findings of this study show that the Students have a positive attitude towards Information Literacy programs. It was noted that there are adequate, relevant and up to date teaching and learning resources while instructional methods were found to be effective. The collaboration between faculty and librarians was also found to be conducive. The program is also faced by a myriad of challenges such as non inclusion of some categories of students, lack of training in teaching methods and lack of computer literacy skills among students and staffs. The study recommends that library staff collaborate with the faculty especially in the development and evaluation of an acceptable curriculum. Teaching methodologies by the library staff should be improve by carrying out regular evaluations to find out their shortcomings and rectify them accordingly. The students should inculcate a positive attitude towards information literacy. Students should also acquire other related skills such as computer literacy skills that are a prerequisite for one to become a competent information literate person. The institutions of higher learning should be well equipped with adequate and up-to-date resources to support IL curriculum. Institution of higher learning will also benefit from the findings of this research as they will be able to understand the problems facing the teaching of information literacy and therefore come up with measures to address those problems.