Information literacy competencies among undergraduate students in the universities in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the information literacy competencies (ILCs) among undergraduate students in the universities in Jigawa State (Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa and Federal University, Dutse). The objectives was identify the information literacy competencies among undergraduate students in the universities in Jigawa State and identified the challenges faced by the students while accessing the information resources. Using a quantitative methodology, the study employs a cross-sectional survey research design. A structured online survey questionnaire using Likert scale methods was administered via the students’ Whatsapp platform to collect data. The data was collected from five hundred and forty eight (548) randomly sampled students from two (2) universities in the State. The study found that many of the students were found defective in the major skills of information literacy. As majority of the students 288(52.5%) cannot devise a search strategy. However, the study further discovered that significant number of the respondents 310(56.6%) indicated that they are facing challenges of insufficient IL training. The study recommended that the universities should introduce information literacy course to the students. Also, recommended that the libraries in the universities should introduce a user–librarian collaborative service delivery to enhance the student success in search for information among others.