Main Article Content
Abstract
This study delves into the digital literacy and competencies of Library and Information Science (LIS) students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Employing a quantitative approach with a descriptive survey design, data were gathered from 68 participants via a structured questionnaire on Google Survey. The questionnaire, using a 4-point Likert scale, covered demographic details, digital literacy levels, perceived curriculum effectiveness, impacts of pedagogical methods, identified barriers, and suggested improvement strategies. Analysis through descriptive statistics provided understandings into the digital proficiency of LIS students. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to assess normality. The Mann-Whitney U test examines differences between independent groups since the data violate normality assumptions and inform whether to accept or reject null hypotheses based on chosen significance levels. Results highlighted the expectations for LIS students to excel in digital libraries, archiving, system software, and communication. However, varying curriculum effectiveness was noted, influenced by accreditation standards and faculty expertise. Pedagogical methods such as hands-on learning and collaborative projects were found to enhance digital competencies, despite existing barriers like funding limitations and rigid curricula. The study advocates for curriculum enhancements, innovative pedagogy, and strategic interventions to bolster digital literacy in LIS programs.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
References
- Abdullah-Sani, M. K. J., Shari, S., Sahid, N. Z., Shaifuddin, N., Abdul Manaf, Z., & van Servellen, A. (2024). ASEAN Library and Information Science (LIS) research (2018–2022): a bibliometric analysis with strategies for enhanced global impact. Scientometrics, 129(1), 95-125.
- Abubakar, B. M. (2021). Library and information science (LIS) education in Nigeria: Emerging trends, challenges and expectations in the digital age. Journal of Balkan Libraries Union, 8(1), 57-67.
- Amegashie, P. K., & Ankamah, S. (2020). Information literacy among students of the university of Ghana business school and Ghana institute of management and public administration business school. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-105.
- Atanda, A. D., Owolabi, K. A., & Ugbala, C. P. (2021). Professional competence and attitudes of library personnel towards digital services in selected university libraries in Nigeria. Digital Library Perspectives, 37(3), 209-222.
- Bakare, O. D., & Bakare, B. M. (2024). Redesigning Library and Information Science Curriculum for Sustainable Environmental Transformation Among Students of the Department of Library and Information Science, Lead City University. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 65(1), 1-21.
- Blunden, A. (2014). Collaborative projects: An interdisciplinary study (Vol. 66). Brill.
- Bravo, M. C. M., Chalezquer, C. S., & Serrano-Puche, J. (2021). Meta-framework of digital literacy: A comparative analysis of 21st-century skills frameworks. Revista Latina de Comunicacion Social, (79), 76-109.
- Ebiefung, R., & Adetimirin, A. (2021). Cyber ethics adherence and the use of electronic information resources by undergraduates in public universities in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Digital Library Perspectives, 37(4), 349-365.
- Esh, M. (2022). Analyzing digital literacy (DL) of the LIS students, University of North Bengal, India. The Online Journal of Distance Education and e-Learning, 10(1).
- Etemi, B. P., Uzunboylu, H., Latifi, S., & Abdigapbarova, U. (2024). The Effect of the Flipped Learning Approach on Engineering Students’ Technology Acceptance and Self-Directed Learning Perception. Sustainability, 16(2), 774.
- Falloon, G. (2020). From digital literacy to digital competence: the teacher digital competency (TDC) framework. Educational technology research and development, 68(5), 2449-2472.
- Guthrie, C. (2014). The digital factory: A hands-on learning project in digital entrepreneurship. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 17(1), 115.
- Hoanca, B., & Craig, B. (2019). Building a K-16-industry partnership to train IT professionals. Journal of Information Systems Education, 30(4), 232.
- Holler, S., Brändle, M., & Zinn, B. (2023). How do South African TVET lecturers rate their digital competencies, and what is their need for training for a digital transformation in the South African TVET sector?. Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, 6(1), 65-89.
- Keboh, T., & Baro, E. E. (2020). Library and Information Science (LIS) students competency in evaluating information and information resources in universities in Nigeria. UNIZIK Journal of Research in Library and Information Science, 5(1), 17-41.
- Kemp, L. J. (2013). Students' inadequate exposure to learning technology: overcoming the pedagogical challenge using wikis. In The Plugged-In Professor (pp. 25-34). Chandos Publishing.
References
Abdullah-Sani, M. K. J., Shari, S., Sahid, N. Z., Shaifuddin, N., Abdul Manaf, Z., & van Servellen, A. (2024). ASEAN Library and Information Science (LIS) research (2018–2022): a bibliometric analysis with strategies for enhanced global impact. Scientometrics, 129(1), 95-125.
Abubakar, B. M. (2021). Library and information science (LIS) education in Nigeria: Emerging trends, challenges and expectations in the digital age. Journal of Balkan Libraries Union, 8(1), 57-67.
Amegashie, P. K., & Ankamah, S. (2020). Information literacy among students of the university of Ghana business school and Ghana institute of management and public administration business school. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-105.
Atanda, A. D., Owolabi, K. A., & Ugbala, C. P. (2021). Professional competence and attitudes of library personnel towards digital services in selected university libraries in Nigeria. Digital Library Perspectives, 37(3), 209-222.
Bakare, O. D., & Bakare, B. M. (2024). Redesigning Library and Information Science Curriculum for Sustainable Environmental Transformation Among Students of the Department of Library and Information Science, Lead City University. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 65(1), 1-21.
Blunden, A. (2014). Collaborative projects: An interdisciplinary study (Vol. 66). Brill.
Bravo, M. C. M., Chalezquer, C. S., & Serrano-Puche, J. (2021). Meta-framework of digital literacy: A comparative analysis of 21st-century skills frameworks. Revista Latina de Comunicacion Social, (79), 76-109.
Ebiefung, R., & Adetimirin, A. (2021). Cyber ethics adherence and the use of electronic information resources by undergraduates in public universities in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Digital Library Perspectives, 37(4), 349-365.
Esh, M. (2022). Analyzing digital literacy (DL) of the LIS students, University of North Bengal, India. The Online Journal of Distance Education and e-Learning, 10(1).
Etemi, B. P., Uzunboylu, H., Latifi, S., & Abdigapbarova, U. (2024). The Effect of the Flipped Learning Approach on Engineering Students’ Technology Acceptance and Self-Directed Learning Perception. Sustainability, 16(2), 774.
Falloon, G. (2020). From digital literacy to digital competence: the teacher digital competency (TDC) framework. Educational technology research and development, 68(5), 2449-2472.
Guthrie, C. (2014). The digital factory: A hands-on learning project in digital entrepreneurship. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 17(1), 115.
Hoanca, B., & Craig, B. (2019). Building a K-16-industry partnership to train IT professionals. Journal of Information Systems Education, 30(4), 232.
Holler, S., Brändle, M., & Zinn, B. (2023). How do South African TVET lecturers rate their digital competencies, and what is their need for training for a digital transformation in the South African TVET sector?. Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, 6(1), 65-89.
Keboh, T., & Baro, E. E. (2020). Library and Information Science (LIS) students competency in evaluating information and information resources in universities in Nigeria. UNIZIK Journal of Research in Library and Information Science, 5(1), 17-41.
Kemp, L. J. (2013). Students' inadequate exposure to learning technology: overcoming the pedagogical challenge using wikis. In The Plugged-In Professor (pp. 25-34). Chandos Publishing.