Information literacy in academic and research libraries of Beijing, China

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the information literacy (IL) practices, methods and techniques being implemented in China’s university and research libraries. The study selected a concurrent mixed-methods research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with professionals from 10 universities and research libraries in Beijing, China. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from the library professionals. The results show that university libraries are in far better positions than research libraries but that there is still a need for improvements. The findings indicate that IL training through library orientations and tours and introductory information skills are frequently and successfully being used in both types of libraries. For orientation, face-to-face delivery was used in 80 percent of university libraries and 60 percent of research libraries. IL programs were integrated into some subject units and available in 100 percent of the university libraries and 60 percent of the research libraries. University libraries performed better in implementing IL programs compared with the research institutes’ libraries. A number of gaps exist between university and research libraries in terms of information literacy practices. These gaps can be filled by overcoming barriers such as the absence of inactivity of professional library associations, the lack of government interest, the lack of faculty collaboration, and the failure to promote IL programs among the user community. In the light of this research, it is suggested that the Chinese government pay keen attention to formulating a national IL policy.

Information literacy instruction in university libraries of Islamabad, Pakistan: a study of librarians’ perceptions, practices, barriers, and strategies

“…The librarians of private and public sector universities are offering orientation services, online/Web-based tutorials, the introduction of OPAC and other library resources, services and policies, copyright awareness, plagiarism awareness and the ethical use of information, referencing style (citation management), use of citation management tools, online searching techniques, HEC digital library and IL instruction through brochures/flyers/handouts in their libraries. These results are similar to the studies conducted by Jabeen et al (2016) and Ullah and Ameen (2014) and disclose that the basic level of IL instruction are offered in different medical and academic institutions. Looking at the barriers in offering IL instruction, nine issues were presented to the respondents to identify their level of agreement considering the challenges associated while offering IL instructions in public and private sector universities of Islamabad on a five-point scale.…”

“…The respondents considered IL awareness programs for library users and training workshops/seminars for librarians as useful strategies. Some similar strategies to improve IL skills were also suggested in previous studies (Cheema, 2019;Durodolu and Adekanye, 2017;Jabeen et al, 2016;Safdar and Idrees, 2021;Ullah and Ameen, 2014). Furthermore, IL instruction as part of the LIS curriculum (integrated or embedded into the curriculum) are very similar to the findings and suggestions explored in previously conducted studies (Bakermans and Plotke, 2018;Batool et al, 2021;Naveed and Sharif, 2015;Ullah and Ameen, 2014).…”

“…They suggested that IL education should be started at the postgraduate level and must be included in the curriculum. These findings also correlate with the findings of some previously conducted studies, includingJabeen et al (2016) andUllah and Ameen (2014), reporting the lack of coordination among administration and librarians, the lack of skilled manpower in libraries and the lack of awareness about IL as major obstacles in IL instruction.…”

“…Some of the findings of these studies are discussed as follows. Jabeen et al (2016) conducted a study by using a mixed-method approach to explore the status of IL practices offered by the libraries of academic and research institutes in Beijing, China. The findings of this study disclosed that, to some extent, IL literacy can be further improved.…”

Climate change, equity and the Sustainable Development Goals: an urban perspective

“…for undertaking reproductive labour such as cooking in informal settlements (an aspects of gender). (43) In terms of medical status, vulnerability to heatwaves is higher in people who are less mobile and confined to bed. (44) People suffering from cardiovascular diseases are also at higher risk.…”