scholarly journals Information literacy of Polish state administration officials in the context of the concept of "good governance"

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Osiński
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Information Culture ◽  
State Administration ◽  
Close Cooperation ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
Two Stages

The article presents the results of research on information literacy (IL) of employees of selected state administration offices, those in which the concept of improving the quality of work, named "good governance", has been implemented. The first aim of the study was to determine the components of IL necessary for state administration employees and the deficiencies occurring in this respect. Another goal was to develop research methods and techniques which would be useful to achieve the first aim and to identify challenges of this study. The research was conducted in two stages. The first of them, carried out at the Lublin Provincial Office in Poland, was aimed at determining the information needs of individual official positions, identifying the IL essential for officials and the shortcomings in this regard. At this stage, the following research methods have been used: analysis of cards describing individual job positions in the office, the method of mapping knowledge in the office and the method of focused group interview. The second stage of the research was carried out in five provincial offices. This time, the main goal was to check whether the questionnaires developed by Polish researchers to study the information culture (the system of human attitudes towards information) of various social groups could be effectively used to study the IL of officials. It was assumed that the information culture of staff determined their ability to undertake information activities, including untypical ones, expected from them in line with the concept of "good governance". The conclusion reached was that IL of employees was underestimated in the current practice of state administration. A set of components of the information skills useful for working in various office job positions have been developed. It was reported that the information culture of the studied group was characterised by an optimistic perception of their own skills and their professional usefulness. Studies have shown that obtaining conclusive results indicating the level of specific information skills in the office environment is often not possible for reasons beyond the control of a researcher. Traditional IL testing methods are assumed to fail there. This is due to the Dunning-Kruger effect (Kruger & Dunning, 1999), as well as constraints imposed by the way offices function and decisions of the management of the office. It seems that achieving more precise results requires establishing close cooperation with the management of an examined group. Undertaking such research is necessary in the context of implementing the concept of "good governance" and a model of one of the methodologies has been presented in the article.

Information needs of breast cancer patients and how educational status influence their information needs in Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062098161
Author(s):  
Benedicta Boadi ◽  
George Tesilimi Banji ◽  
Patrick Adzobu ◽  
Stephen Okyere
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients

Health information literacy plays a critical role in self-management practices among patients living with chronic health conditions. However, there are limited studies on information needs among breast cancer patients in Ghana. This paper therefore investigated the information needs of women living with breast cancer in Ghana and how educational status influenced their information needs. The study was conducted in two health facilities in Accra, Ghana (37 Military Hospital and Sweden Ghana Medical Centre). A total of 75 breast cancer patients were conveniently selected from the two health facilities for the study. The instrument used to elicit relevant data for this study was a questionnaire using the survey design. Data was analysed descriptively. The findings of the study revealed that the information needs of the breast cancer patients investigated were centred mainly around treatment and management information and less around preventive information. The patients also ranked diagnostic information as their highest need, followed by physical care information, treatment information, psychosocial information and disease-specific information in that order. Patients with higher education reported higher information need on all the five domains compared to those with lower education. The study therefore recommended that management of health facilities make health information literacy an integral component of their treatment and management of breast cancer.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the information competences of users of business sharing groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2A(116A)) ◽  
pp. 86-97
Author(s):  
Dorota Rak
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Digital Space ◽  
Information User ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
New Research ◽  
The Impact

Purpose/Thesis: The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic ‘forced’ the strengthening of the importance of digital space in the daily functioning of individuals. The aim of this article is to try to answer the question of whether COVID-19 contributed in any way to changes in the Information Literacy of a specific type of information user, i.e. members of internet groups in the area of ​​business sharing. Approach/Methods: The above research problem was solved mainly by a questionnaire and a critical analysis of the scientific literature. Results and conclusions: 104 people from 8 groups representing both the Małopolska region as well as the Tri-City, Silesia and Mazovia took part in the pilot study. The questionnaire covered such issues as identifying information needs and obtaining information, evaluating and using information, defining and subjective assessing information competences. As the analysis shows, in the opinion of group users, COVID-19 did not have a significant impact on their information skills, and they themselves assess the level of their competences sufficiently or highly. Originality/Value: The article supplements the existing literature with new research and may be an inspiration for a discussion on a wider group of social media users.

scholarly journals Strengthening Social Inclusion in Multicultural Societies Through Information Literacy

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-290
Author(s):  
Esin Sultan Oğuz ◽  
Serap KURBANOĞLU
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Linguistic Diversity ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Literacy Programs ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
The Social ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

We live in an increasingly heterogeneous society. The rate of international migration has contributed to cultural diversity in many nations. Libraries of all types have started to address cultural and linguistic diversity while providing information sources and services. According to The IFLA Multicultural Library Manifesto (2008), each individual has the right to a full range of library and information services, and libraries should serve all members of the community without discrimination. Special attention should be paid to cultural and linguistic groups which are underserved such as minorities, refugees, immigrants, including those with temporary residence permits. Public libraries are considered useful social instruments in the democratization of information. They are agents for social change and excellent tools for the integration of immigrants. They prepare immigrants for citizenship by introducing them to the values of their new nation, and frequently sustain them through the initial period of adaptation. They are spaces where patrons can readily access information, not only to increase their knowledge, but also to improve their abilities and skills in order to participate in society. As the key for life-long learning and success not only in school and the work place but also in daily life, information literacy skills must be developed by immigrants, refugees and foreign residents in order for them to integrate into their adopted country. Knowing how to access, use and communicate information effectively will enable the social inclusion of newcomers. Therefore, developing special information literacy programs to equip such groups with information literacy skills should be among the priorities of public libraries. In this study, the importance of information literacy skills in multicultural societies in terms of the social inclusion of immigrants will be underlined. Findings of a survey which has been conducted to ascertain information needs of foreign residents in Turkey and the level of fulfillment of their information needs will be presented. The findings of the research will also be used to make suggestions for developing information literacy programs which address the specific information needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

scholarly journals Syllabus Mining for Information Literacy Instruction: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-104
Author(s):  
Kathleen Butler ◽  
Theresa Calcagno
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
Student Learning Objectives ◽  
Student Information

Background - The course syllabus is a roadmap to curriculum development and student learning objectives providing valuable information to assist library instruction. This scoping review examines research that uses syllabus mining to track Information Literacy concepts and skills in academic settings. Objectives - The present study uses a scoping methodology to examine syllabus mining of Information Literacy with the focus of analysis on the methodologies employed in syllabus review and the recommendations from the studies. Design - Searches of databases of literature from librarianship and education, as well as a multidisciplinary database, yielded 325 journal articles. Inclusion criteria specified peer-reviewed articles from any year, and excluded grey literature. After removing duplicates, 2 reviewers screened titles and abstracts and reviewed full text, yielding 17 studies to analyze. Results - Characteristics of the included studies, methodology, and recommendations were charted by two reviewers. All studies reported retrieving information that increased opportunities for collaboration with instructors and targeted engagement with students, and seven themes were identified. Conclusions - Instructional librarians should be encouraged to conduct syllabus studies to increase collaboration with faculty to develop coursework, to meet student information needs in a strategic manner, and to identify discipline-specific Information Literacy concepts.

Information skills training through mobile devices

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Alberto Manso Rodríguez ◽  
Manuel Osvaldo Machado Rivero
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Qr Codes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
Two Stages

Purpose This paper aims to examine the use of different mobile devices by libraries to develop programs for information skills training, focusing on the application of quick response (QR) codes for such a purpose. Design/methodology/approach The study was developed in two stages; primarily an analysis of the literature was conducted to determine the theoretical framework underlying the use of this tool for information literacy. The second part examined the practical application of this tool, with examples of several university libraries. In all, 13 academic libraries were included as the sample, which were chosen randomly from a global search on the Internet under the thematic basis for the theme of the study and thus evaluate the different employment opportunities of mobile telephony in developing skills information on users. The study is complemented with an assessment from the practice of the applicability of the principles described, arriving at conclusions and recommendations. Findings The purpose of the study is to recognize the use given to mobile technologies from libraries, particularly the use of QR codes, to help meet the demands of users in relation to skills training information, just as you may have the need. Originality/value The benefits of the use of mobile devices for the development of information literacy actions are identified and the set of actions that can be implemented for training information skills through the use of QR codes are set based on all outlined by the Association of College and Research Libraries goals.

scholarly journals Information literacy standards for information skills in social work curricula

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Eneida María Quindemil Torrijo ◽  
Miguel Ángel Marzal García-Quismondo ◽  
Juan Carlos Morales Intriago ◽  
Felipe Rumbaut León ◽  
Exio Isaac Chaparro Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Literacy Standards ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
General Skills ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Point Of Departure

This study proposes information literacy standards to be met by social work curricula. The documentary review used as a point of departure included papers on the introduction of literacy in the curriculum to develop information skills; internationally defined information literacy standards; and the specific and general skills required for social work. The outcome of that review, a proposal for information literacy standards in social work curricula, was assessed by social workers and information scientists. As a result of these two stages of the study, five information literacy standards were defined: one, knowing what type of information is needed; two, accessing the information needed effectively, efficiently and ethically; three, assessing the information and sources, ethically and responsibly building new knowledge with the information selected; four, using and disseminating information effectively and ethically to a specific purpose; and five, keeping abreast of and networking with the information. Implementing those standards helps develop information skills while working toward a degree in social work. Coupled with other specific and general professional aptitudes, such skills help graduates address the issues with which they are confronted in social research and intervention.

ROLE OF LIBRARIANS IN TEACHING INFORMATION LITERACY IN ZIMBABWEAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinashe Mugwisi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Information And Communications Technologies ◽  
Communications Technologies ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
The University

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet have to a large extent influenced the way information is made available, published and accessed. More information is being produced too frequently and information users now require certain skills to sift through this multitude in order to identify what is appropriate for their purposes. Computer and information skills have become a necessity for all academic programmes. As libraries subscribe to databases and other peer-reviewed content (print and electronic), it is important that users are also made aware of such sources and their importance. The purpose of this study was to examine the teaching of information literacy (IL) in universities in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the role played by librarians in creating information literate graduates. This was done by examining whether such IL programmes were prioritised, their content and how frequently they were reviewed. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 12 university libraries in Zimbabwe and 21 in South Africa. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned. The findings revealed that IL was being taught in universities library and non-library staff, was compulsory and contributed to the term mark in some institutions. The study also revealed that 44 per cent of the total respondents indicated that the libraries were collaborating with departments and faculty in implementing IL programmes in universities. The study recommends that IL should be an integral part of the university programmes in order to promote the use of databases and to guide students on ethical issues of information use.

Influence of Information Literacy Competencies on Users of the Saulsville Public Library, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rexwhite Tega Enakrire ◽  
Isaac Mpho Mothiba
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Information Discovery ◽  
Information Literacy Competencies

Information literacy competencies indicate the ability of an individual to apply a certain search strategy of information discovery, to understand its design, to value judgement, and to use it in various contents and contexts. The influence of information literacy competencies plays an important role in enabling information users to meet their information needs and prepares them for lifelong learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of information literacy competencies of users in the Saulsville public library, South Africa. The rationale was a lack of awareness and the inability of the users to find their information needs based on the task and decision at hand. The descriptive survey design adopted for this study made use of a questionnaire to collect data from 1 120 registered members of the Saulsville library. Of the 1 120 registered users being the population for the study, the authors purposively used 10 per cent (112 members) of the population as sample size. The findings revealed that users of the Saulsville public library had limited awareness and competencies of information literacy. The users were exposed to some form of library orientation and the use of library resources during their visit to the library. The findings further indicated that the users’ information literacy competencies were affirmed through the quality of information obtained and the satisfaction of library services rendered by library staff. The study recommends the acquisition of new technologies that could enhance users’ interactive information literacy training in public libraries and formal education settings.  

The Components of Information Literacy Treatment in Women Cancer Patients (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Farzin ◽  
Hassan Behzadi ◽  
Azam Sanatjoo ◽  
Soodabeh Shahidsaleth
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Medical Tests ◽  
Medical Terms ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Cluster Random Sampling

BACKGROUND The information literacy treatment, which comprises an important part of the process of disease, is one of the aspects of health literacy and this concept has been explored in fewer studies. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study is to investigate the state of the components of information literacy treatment in Women cancer patients. METHODS This is an applied, survey-based study. The population consists of 143 Women cancer patients were selected employing a cluster random sampling procedure. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire includes 37 questions consisting of six categories—medications, treatment methods, nutrition, medical tests, treatment costs, and sport exercise. RESULTS The findings showed that patients had the most information needs in the five components (except sport exercise). In addition to, the most important source of information for patients was the doctor and, of course, some of the other medical staff. Also, all the identified criteria for cancer patients were important in using the information sources for treatment. The problems such as: specialized content, unfamiliarity with the medical terms, the complexity of the treatment process, are very important to the patients. CONCLUSIONS The health professionals play an important role in shortening the interval between the patients` need for information and receiving information. It is recommended for the health authorities to hold free classes in health centers and prepare simple and comprehensible materials in these courses.

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