Collaboration Between the Faculty and Librarians to Improve Students’ Information Literacy Skills at Strathmore University

Abstract

Rationale of Study – The current information explosion poses challenges in finding relevant information to individuals including university students. Therefore, there is need for students to be taught information literacy (IL) skills to enable them find relevant information for their discourses effectively and efficiently. This can best be achieved through faculty-librarians collaboration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the collaboration between the faculty and librarians in improvement of information literacy skills of all students at Strathmore University.

Methodology – This was a case study of Strathmore University. A sample size of 40 respondents was purposively selected from a target population of 500  comprising of students, the faculty and librarians. Data was collected through structured interviews as well as documentary review. Data was  analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

Findings – The study found that Strathmore University has embraced information literacy training. There exists limited faculty-librarian collaboration in IL  training where the faculty provides scheduling of the timetable for the trainings, research assignments as well as involving the librarians in the  assessment of originality of students’ assignments. The librarians conduct the IL trainings and assist in the assessment of originality of students’  assignments. However, more faculty-librarian collaboration is needed. The study recommends the integration of the IL course into the curriculum across  disciplines.

Implications – The findings of this study may benefit students by improving their information literacy as a result of improved faculty-librarians  collaborative training.

Originality – The study was original in terms of focus. It fills a void on recent research on faculty-librarian collaboration in Information literacy training.