The effectiveness of library information literacy instructions given to undergraduate students at the University of Dar es Salaam

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of library information literacy instructions offered at the University of Dar es Salaam. The study population consisted of undergraduate students and library staff at the Mwalimu Nyerere Campus. The study employed a mixed methods approach under which a survey design was used to collect data with the use of questionnaire, observation, and interviews methods. Whereas quantitative data were processed through Microsoft Excel program to simplify analysis, qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that the library’s information literacy instructions had moderately impact on majority of respondents’ ability to articulate and locate information they require, use information ethically, and evaluate online information for credibility. Based on these findings, respondents recommend extension of library opening hours, integrating information literacy in the university’s curricula, increasing the number of  computers, and deploying more library staff to oversee information literacy instruction.

Keywords: Information competence, Information literacy, User satisfaction, UDSM Library, Undergraduate students.