Information literacy instruction in public libraries

Abstract

Extending from existing research on how public libraries offer information literacy (IL) instruction through classes or programs, the purpose of this research was to explore how public librarians provide IL instruction through individual interactions with patrons. US public librarians recorded their impressions of instructional interactions over a five-day period using an online diary instrument. Key findings were that public librarians incorporate a range of IL concepts in their interactions with patrons, across a wide variety of expressed information needs, with most of the instruction directed toward helping patrons plan their information tasks, access information, and judge information. Secondary themes showed that although librarians believed strongly in the value and importance of providing instruction, individual and situational factors presented barriers to effective instruction. This research contributes to an understanding of how IL instruction in public library settings differs from school and academic library settings and raises some questions around the need for instructional resources focused more specifically around the needs of the public library to facilitate effective instruction.

Pametne knjižnice

“…Knjižnice imajo pomembno vlogo pri spodbujanju vrednot vseživljenjskega učenja, aktiv nega državljanstva in družbenega kapitala, ki zvišuje vključenost posameznika v družbo. S pomočjo izobraževanja o informacijski pismenosti lahko splošne knjižnice te vrednote promovirajo in razvijajo med svojimi člani (Matteson in Gersch, 2020).…”

Researching Finnish library responses to Covid-19 digital literacy challenges through the employment of reflective practice

“…Public libraries achieve IL in a less formal approach. For instance, Matteson and Gersch (2020) found that librarians provide situational guidance and support to their customers regarding their information needs. Moreover, public libraries offer ICT access and training, one-to-one reference interviews, and have partnerships with schools, volunteers, and various types of organisations (Crawford, 2014; Harding, 2008: 281–285; Lloyd, 2010: 125–127; McLean, 2008: 63–64; ).…”

The role of Tanzania library services board in enhancing information literacy skills among the public in Tanzania

“…Information literacy plays an important role in facilitating sharing of information among library users through meetings, discussions, seminars, workshops, publications and so on. Hence in order to apply information into practice, public libraries should equip users with relevant skills in communicating information and knowledge (Matteson and Gersch, 2020).…”