Understanding and practice of information literacy in Australian government libraries

Abstract

Most research on information literacy has emerged from the academic sector and there is a lack of research undertaken in the workplace. To further expand on this area of study, a survey was undertaken to investigate librarians' understanding of information literacy and the application of information literacy in government libraries in Australia.Of particular interest is that many government librarians either do not include 'critical thinking' skills in their definition of information literacy, or if they do include it, they do not believe that they should have the responsibility for teaching it. This most likely reflects the difference in client base, students compared with adult professionals. There was a high response for instruction for online library services (catalogue, journals, databases and library website). This indicates a recognised need for instruction and the development of courses and support materials in these services.

Academic Library COVID-19 Subject Guides

“…Information literacy is a concept that encompasses both knowledge of information resources and systems and the ability to use information effectively. It is associated with a set of competencies, including the ability to recognize the need for information and identify the types of information required to fulfill the information need; develop strategies to access or acquire information across a range of information channels; evaluate information based on its quality and applicability to the information need; effectively use the information to solve a problem; store and share information for future use; and understand and apply ethical and legal frameworks around the use of information (UNESCO, 2008;Ward, 2006;Kirton & Barham, 2008;Bruce, 1999;Behrens, 1994). Information literacy skills help people to find, evaluate, and use information in order to solve problems.…”

Information Competences – University Professors’ Perspective

“…Although IL is still mostly researched in the educational sphere, authors as Lloyd [4][5][6], Crawford and Irving [7], Kirkton and Barham [8], Hepworth and Smith [9] or Head [10] have begun to change this trend. Lloyd [6] has reviewed the crucial issues that emanate from workplace research: 1. the difference of context (workplace as a different type of setting compared to education), 2, the collective dimension of information use and creation (as opposed to educational settings which focuses on the individual).…”

Website designers: how do they experience information literacy?

“…In the previous studies, information literacy has been identified as a 'significant part of the character of learning organisations as well as a key characteristic of the organisation's employees' (Bruce 1999b, 33). It was also introduced as 'one of the top five essential competencies for solid job performance' in the workplace context (Cheuk 2008;Kirton, Barham, and Brady 2008;O'Sullivan 2002). Moreover, the financial implications of information literacy in organisations has been highlighted by researchers (Cheuk 2002;Macoustra 2004).…”