Students' Information Literacy Skill Acquisition: Challenges and Strategies for Enhancement of its Utilization

Abstract

The study investigated the challenges and strategies associated with students' information literacy skill acquisition in secondary schools  in Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used. The sample used for the study is six hundred and sixty- two (662)  respondents, comprising 650 students and 12 teacher librarians. This sample was drawn through multi stage sampling technique. Questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion were used as instruments of data collection. The data collected was analyzed using  descriptive statistics. While the two hypotheses were tested using t-test of independent samples. The findings of the study revealed many  challenges such as: low bandwidth, inadequate demonstration instrument, lack of personnel, limited library resources, lack of  modern library resources. Lack of library period in the school time table, lack of enough sitting space, school library is not conducive for  studying and learning. It was therefore recommended that adequate provision of the resources, including the provision of ICT resources  and internet facilities. It is of utmost important to engage the librarians in workshops and conferences (physically and virtually) where  they can interact with others to deepen their knowledge about information literacy and also develop their creativity.