Assessing Information Literacy Status of Public Library Users Based on the Model of Eight Enablers (Case Study: Khuzestan Province)

Document Type : Research َ Article

Authors

1 PhD student, Knowledge and Information Science Department, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran. Iran

2 Associate Professor, Knowledge and Information Science Department, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran. Iran

3 Associate Professor, Knowledge and Information Science Department, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluating and measuring users' information literacy level shows the potential for improvement and effectiveness of the educational performance of public libraries. Hence, the Present research aimed to measure the level of information literacy of public library users based on the model of eight enablers. This evaluation can help plan public libraries to improve the level of knowledge and information of users.
Methods: This research was quantitative. It was practical in terms of purpose and terms of the survey method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the model of eight enablers, including 40 questions on a Likert scale. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by 20 university professors, experts, and librarians in the field of Knowledge and information science. By randomly distributing 40 questionnaires among users and collecting them using Cronbach's alpha, the reliability of the questionnaire was calculated as 0.92, the construct validity was calculated as 0.66 using confirmatory factor analysis. The statistical population of the research included 45582 active users of public libraries in Khuzestan Province in 2019. First, 497 users were selected using Cochran's formula to estimate the sample. Then, according to the user population of 21 cities of Khuzestan province, a suitable sample was assigned with the optimal assignment method. The Likert score calculation was used to estimate percentages and averages and determine users' information literacy levels. The data analysis tool was SPSS version 20. 
Findings: The estimation of eight components of information literacy showed that the skills and abilities of public library users of Khuzestan Province in the components of "identifying knowledge and information," "exploring and searching for information," "organizing information", and "presenting and Knowledge sharing" is above average. In the components of "selection and selection of information," "creation and producing knowledge", "evaluation of knowledge and information", and "application of knowledge and information" are lower than the average. In general, the level of information literacy of users of public libraries in Khuzestan Province is higher than the average. 
Conclusion: The analysis of the findings showed that the users' information literacy level in the present research is higher than the average level (54.57). However, this level does not reflect users' desired state of information literacy but indicates a distance of 45.43% to reach the desired state. Therefore, to achieve the most essential objective of their existence, which is the development of knowledge capabilities and information literacy of society, public libraries need to compile, design, and plan the development in two dimensions: users and librarians. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to use more efficient and accessible tools, information and communication technology infrastructure, and establish a borderless e-learning network emphasizing online learning, hybrid learning, and virtual learning. In this regard, redefining their traditional roles and updating their functions in line with new expectations is necessary.

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References

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Librarianship and Information Organization Studies
Volume 34, Issue 3 - Serial Number 135
September 2023
Pages 63-82

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 June 2023
  • Revise Date: 01 August 2023
  • Accept Date: 27 August 2023

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