Information literacy skills as determinant of use of reference materials among undergraduates in university libraries in Kwara State

Abstract

The study investigated information literacy skills as determinants of use of reference materials among undergraduate students in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and a questionnaire was administered to 398 respondents from three universities: University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, and Al-Hikmah University. The findings revealed that students possess basic information literacy skills, except for research strategies, citation, and referencing, and ethical use of information. The study also showed that dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, and yearbooks are the most commonly used reference materials, primarily for assignment preparation and research. The results indicate that information literacy skills is one of the factors that affect the use of reference materials. The study recommends that library management offer workshops to enhance students' skills in research strategies, citation, and referencing, and encourage exploration of a wider range of reference materials.