Swarnalatha Chinthagunta,  PV Subba Rao

Department of Library and Information Science,

Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar-522 510, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Corresponding author email: swarnalathac@gmail.com

 

Received: September 13, 2023         Accepted: November 15, 2023                                     Published: December 19, 2023

 

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Abstract

Information literacy encompasses a range of abilities that enable individuals to recognize the necessity for information, effectively locate and evaluate it, and utilize it efficiently. It is competency that equips individuals with the necessary understanding of information, its characteristics, and the various formats in which it is available. This includes the skills to discern relevant information from irrelevant sources and an ethical approach to consuming and disseminating information. In this study, the information literacy skills of postgraduate students and research scholars at Nagarjuna University were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. The findings revealed that these groups encounter challenges when attempting to access required information. Additionally, it highlighted the need for them to enhance their proficiency in utilizing electronic resources effectively.

Keywords: Information literacy, competency, questionnaire, students,  and electronic resources.

 

Introduction

Better understanding of the term Information Literacy by examining its origins, definitions, and standards of information literacy is very essential for this project work. In its definition, the Association of College and Research Libraries (Iannuzzi, 2000) states that “Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information”. Information literacy is supposed to have the knowledge and skills required to identify a specific job or to identify the material required to solve a problem, get cost effective information, reorganize, and assess the correctness. Communicate, and interpret the sources of material, explain to others, and then reach actions and conclusions. On the advent of information technologies in the early 1970s, information literacy has grown, and strengthened to become recognized as the critical literacy for the current century. Information literacy is also described as the primary literacy essential for current century living. Today Information Literacy is associated with information practices and critical thinking in information and communication technology. Information literacy is critically important because a growing ocean of information surrounds us in all formats. Not all information is created equal: some are authoritative, current, reliable, but some are biased, out of date, misleading, and false. The amount of information available will keep increasing. The technology used to access, manipulate, and create information will likewise expand. For students, information literacy skills would lead to independent and student centric learning, rather than dependence on the teacher to provide answers to questions or problems that they encounter. This creates a greater responsibility towards their learning, which would help them become dynamic learners and thinkers who are creative, analytical, and efficient instead of mere regurgitates of facts. But information literacy goes beyond coursework in its meaning and application. In a world where an infinite amount of information is available, individuals need to develop a greater understanding of information sources and need abilities to gain, test, use, and communicate information. Become information literate will provide essential skills, needed to become a more proficient learner in the college, and subsequently, benefits students in both professional and personal endeavors. Information Literacy skills enable students to choose the best information for important decisions. Further, the contemporary information world offers abundant information choices print, electronic, image, spatial, sound, visual, and numeric. The challenges posed to the users of information include too much information in various formats and all not of equal value. The explosion of information on the Internet with billions of websites and pages and millions of print items both is complicating access and retrieval of information by the end users. Within the college or university environment, students need to build the foundation of information literacy by successfully transferring this learning to the curriculum. Specially designed and implemented information literacy programs by the academic libraries help to meet the above-said objectives of educational institutions. The present study focuses on this aspect of the academic environment (Sasikala & Dhanraju, 2011).

 

The purpose of reviewing the literature is to understand the recent knowledge and evaluates the findings. Information literacy skills related reviews are collected from various scientific journals, academic research publications, guidelines and standards, and other related interdisciplinary subjects. Information literacy is comparatively a new area of learning. So many studies have been carried out both in India and abroad. Dorvlo (2016) studied the information literacy among postgraduate students of University of Ghana and found that the majority of students were able to identify concepts, whereas a large number of students were unskilled in the use of search strategies, search tools, the evaluation of information and ethical and legal use of information. Hadimani & Ragoli (2010) undertook a study to know the information literacy competency among the undergraduate students of College of Agriculture, Raichur, Karnataka . Based on the result, necessary suggestions have been made for implementing proper information literacy competency programmes in the College. A study to evaluate the impacts of information literacy by using pre-test and post-test was conducted by Bala (2016). The findings of the study disclosed that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test result. A majority of respondents were more conversant with the use of library catalogue, able to categorize the documents, formulate the search strategies, use of Boolean operators and evaluate the online information sources. Javed Khan (2015) carried out a study to know the use of information sources and need for information literacy and result showed that most of the users (58.99%) required information for preparing their assignment and to support research work. They all were aware of the basic concepts of information literacy, but they required improvements in the facilities and running IL programs in the library. Ramamurthy, Siridevi & Ramu (2015) explored the knowledge of information literacy skills of students in five selected engineering colleges in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. The authors found that majority of respondents (26.9%) searched for IEEE explore database and 18.54% of them searched for Science Direct of Elsevier Science. Study also revealed that respondents were not aware of different information sources and type of information they acquired from these sources. Padme & Dhande (Padme Asst Librarian & Dhande, (2014) performed a study to know the computer and information literacy among the students and observed that majority of the students (91.89%) were proficient to operate computers but many of them were not aware of the basic concepts of 13 computer Most of the students were not aware of the search techniques for efficient and effective retrieval of information. Stebick Wertzberger, flora, and Miller (2015) in their study entitled “Breathing Life into Information Literacy Skills: Results of a Faculty-Librarian Collaboration study conducted to carry out when an education professor and a reference librarian sought to improve the quality of undergraduate student research; The study suggested that undergraduate students enjoy not only sound research strategies but also organization strategies. Amalahu, Oluwasina, and Laoye (2009) in their study entitled “Higher Education and Information Literacy: A Case Study of the Tai Solarin University of Education.” A survey was done with a sample size of 150 questionnaires that were distributed to library users and the users of e-library and e-learning. The study recommended that students graduating from higher education courses can recognize and solve information problems. The library collection needs further enhancement e-library section should be equipped with more computers and additional databases.

 

Research Methodology

The research methodology is the primary aspect of any research work.  The different methods of inquiry are termed together with the research methods used to analyze the information and also the process of collecting the data and the statistical calculations used to analyze the data. Finally, research considerations are explored, including the limitations of the study.  This chapter discusses the research design, sampling based on questionnaire design to fulfil the objectives adopted in this study. 

The name, Nagarjuna University is quite significant in that the great Buddhist preceptor and Philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna founded a University on the banks of river Krishna some centuries ago and made it a great centre of learning, attracting a large number of teachers and students form distant parts of the world. The University was established by Act 43 of 1976 of A.P. State Legislature and Governed by Act 4 of 1991 covering 6 Universities of the State. The present Acharya Nagarjuna University is not very far from the haloed spot, as it derives its moral and intellectual sustenance from Acharya Nagarjuna in which context the University has been renamed Acharya Nagarjuna University through the A.P. Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2004, promulgated by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh. The aspirations of the southern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh to pursue Post-Graduate education nearer their homes resulted in the establishment of Acharya Nagarjuna University. In 1976, Andhra University started a Post-Graduate Centre in Nallapadu, Guntur Dt., Andhra Pradesh, as an Extension Centre to cater to the needs of higher education of the people of this region. It is in the fitness of things that a University should grow from this Centre to fulfil the desire of the people of this belt. Accordingly, Nagarjuna University came into being in August 1976.

Acharya Nagarjuna University has completed three decades of its existence. It was inaugurated on 11th September, 1976 by the former President of India, Sri Fakruddin Ali Ahmed. There have been many problems, difficulties and teething problems in its onward march. In the course of the last 30 years, the University has successfully overcome most of the initial problems and is moving forward with determination, enthusiasm and hope. From the corridors of a local polytechnic college in Nallapadu to the imposing buildings in Nagarjunanagar, the road was very long. Sacrifice, service and commitment marked the growth of Acharya Nagarjuna University.

Acharya Nagarjuna University, an affiliating University started with only 10 post-graduate courses in the University College. Since then, it has achieved tremendous progress through quantitative expansion and qualitative improvements on various academic fronts. This has been possible by the efforts of its dedicated faculty, an efficient team of supporting staff and high-quality student input. The Acharya Nagarjuna University at present offers post-graduate education in 47 courses (39 on the University campus, 4 at University PG Campus at Nuzvid and 5 at University PG Campus at Ongole) besides Post-graduate courses in affiliated colleges.

 

Objectives of the Study:

The overall aim of the study is to know the Information Literacy skills of the PG students and researchers. The objectives are given below.

·       To study and understand the concept of informational literacy concerning the academic domain.

·       To identify the level of information literacy skills among the postgraduate Student’s  and research scholars.

·       To evaluate the information literacy skills among Post-Graduate students and Research Scholars of Acharya Nagarjuna University among Arts and Science Departments.

·       To find out the factors influencing of information literacy skills among the Post Graduate students and researchers of ANU.

·       To find out the problems in finding and accessing information for their daily needs.

·       To identify the fields/areas of information literacy skills required.

·       Translates goals into specific and quantifiable behaviours.

 

Hypotheses

The following hypotheses have been taken for validation for this study.

·       There is no significant association between locations of accessing computer facilities, knowledge of different file formats, and frequency of using computer among gender and college location.

·       There is no significant difference in the knowledge in computer application Software among college location and discipline of the respondents.

·       There is no significant relationship between Information literacy program and information literacy skills.

·       There is no significant impact on information literacy program and Information Literacy skills.

 

Research Design and Target Group:

A structured questionnaire was designed as a tool for data collection. A questionnaire is a data collection instrument for collecting primary data for the study. Questions about the objectives of the study are proposed to the sample respondents, and their opinion was obtained. Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and are original through questionnaire. For the study only primary data is used.

Assistance was provided by the colleagues to clear the doubts in filling the questionnaire.

The collected has been tabulated, analysed, and interpreted. The study is confined to the Information Literacy skills among Post-Graduate Students and research Scholars of ANU. Post-Graduate students research Scholars registered during the academic year 2018-19 and 2019-20 of Arts and Sciences Departments are the target group.

 

Sampling Size

The researcher has adopted the Random sampling method for the study of the distribution of the population Out of the two departments namely Arts and Science. 240 samples are selected out of about 1000 students including both Research Scholars and PG Students

 

Questionnaire Design

According to the Big6 Model (M. Eisenberg & Berkowitz, 2001) of information literacy, qualifications for higher education, the researcher has designed a structured questionnaire based on the objectives of the study. Before completing the questionnaire, the relevant subject experts put forward the idea, and the expert advice was immediately attached to the end of the questions.

 

Information literacy model

Big6™ is a process model for information problem-solving. It integrates information search and use skills along with technology tools in a systematic process to find, use, apply, and evaluate information for specific needs and tasks. The Big6 was developed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz and is the popular approach to teaching information and technology skills for schools and HEIs in the world.

 

 

Figure 1: Big6™ is a process model

 

 

Here is the summary of Big6 model using experience, considered as a framework for searching:

 

 

Table 1: Big6™ process model

 

 

Tools used for Analysis

The data collected from the respondents were converted into readable for processing, classification, and arrangement with the help of Microsoft Excel software was used for analyzing the collected data. The data were analyzed descriptively in terms of measures of central tendency and measures of variability. A measure of central tendency includes the mean, median and mode

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The present study intends to find out the level of information literacy among the postgraduate students and research scholars of social science faculty in ANU, Guntur.

·       The present study has an insight into the problems and the prospectus of information literacy skills among Post-Graduate students of ANU.

·       An attempt has been made to find out the various causes for the above problem of information Literacy.

·       This research was conducted to assess the Information literacy skills of the PG Students.

·       This study helps the students to make awareness about Information literacy skills and web-based technology.

 

Data Collection, Analysis and Findings

The section deals with the descriptive and statistical analysis using the primary data collected from Post-Graduate students and Research Scholars of Acharya Nagarjuna University in Arts and Science Departments. The Questionnaire is framed by the researcher.

 

Samples Distributions among Research Scholars and PG Students

 

Table 2: Samples Distributions among Research Scholars and PG Students

 

 

 

Figure 2: Samples Distributions among Research Scholars and PG Students

 

 

 

Samples Distribution among Arts and Science PG Students and Research Scholars

 

Table 3: Samples Distribution among Arts and Science PG Students and Research Scholars

 

 

Figure 3: Samples Distribution among Arts and Science PG Students and Research Scholars

 

After collecting the data, the next step is the analysis and interpretation of the data. The collected data was carefully and critically analysed using simple percentage method and has been tabulated. The data has been displayed in tabular and graphical form.

 

The following are the questions asked in the Questionnaire

 

Q1. How often do you visit the Library

 

Table 4: How often do you visit the Library

 

Category of Users		PG Students		Research Scholars
Discipline wise break up		Science	Arts	Science	Arts
Daily	No.	50	45	18	15
	%	40.65	33.09	46.15	35.71
Two or three times a week	No.	30	48	15	17
	%	24.39	35.29	38.46	40.48
Occasionally	No.	25	20	2	4
	%	20.33	14.71	5.13	9.52
Weekly	No.	14	17	2	2
	%	11.38	12.5	5.13	4.76
Monthly Once	No.	2	3	2	2
	%	1.63	2.21	5.13	4.76
Never	No.	2	3	0	2
	%	1.63	2.21	0	4.76

 

Table 4 shows that majority of PG students 40.65% of Science and 33.09% of Arts students  visit Library daily, and 24.39% of Science and 35.29% of Arts Students visit library Two or three times a week, and 20.33% of Science and 14.71% of Arts Students Visit Library occasionally. 11.38% of PG Science Students and 12.58% PG Arts Students visit Library weekly once where as 1.63% of PG Science and 2.21% of PG Arts Students visit Library monthly once. 1.63% of PG Science Students 2.21% of PG Arts Students never visited Library. This Table also shows that majority of Research Scholars 46.15% of Science and 35.71% of Arts Scholars visit Library daily, and 38.46 % of Science and 40.48% of Arts Scholars visit library Two or three times a week, and 5.13% of Science and 9.52% of Arts Scholars Visit Library occasionally. 5.13% of Science and 4.76% Arts Scholars visit Library weekly once where as 5.13% of Science and 4.76% of Arts Scholars visit Library monthly once. 0.00% of Science 4.76% of Arts Scholars never visited Library.

 

Q2. Have you Used any Library Earlier

 

Table 5: Have you Used any Library Earlier

 

 

Table 5 shows that majority of PG students 70.24% of Science and 77.38% of Arts students used Library earlier, and 29.76% of Science and 22.62% of Arts Students never used Library earlier. This Table also shows that majority of Research Scholars 90.00% of Science and 88.00% of Arts Scholars used Library earlier, where as 10.00% of Science and 12.00% of Arts Scholars never used Library earlier.

 

Q3. Did you attend the Library Orientation of this University Library

 

Table 6: Did you attend the Library Orientation of this University Library

 

 

Table 6 shows that majority of PG students 85.71% of Science and 84.88% of Arts students attended the Library Orientation of this university Where as 14.29% of Science and 15.12% of Arts Students did not attended Library orientation of this university. This Table also shows that majority of Research Scholars 80.00% of Science and 88.00% of Arts Scholars attended the Library Orientation of this university, where as 20.00% of Science and 12.00% of Arts Scholars did not attended Library orientation of this university.

 

Q4. For what purpose do you visit the Library (Give the order of Priority)

 

Table 7: For what purpose do you visit the Library ( Give the order of Priority)

 

 

Table 7 shows that  PG students 39.53% of Science and 52.43% of Arts students  visit the Library for Reading Books, whereas 53.49% of Science and 42.72% of Arts Students visit the Library for borrowing Books . Further 6.98% of Science and 4.85% of Arts students visit Library for entertainment. This Table also shows that 25% of Science and 28% of Arts Research Scholars  visit the Library for Reading Books, whereas 65% of Science and 68% of Arts Scholars visit the Library for borrowing Books . Further 10% of Science and 4% of Arts students visit Library for entertainment.

 

Q5. Which you use mostly among the following?

 

Table 8: Which you use mostly among the following.

 

 

Table 8 shows that majority of PG students 29.33% of Science and 22.17% of Arts students mostly use books among the resources available in the Library, and 38.67% of Science and 23.91% of Arts Students use Reference books among the resources available in the Library, and 0% of Science and 1.74% of Arts Students use magazines among the resources available in the Library. 32% of PG Science Students and 26.52% PG Arts Students use News Papers among the resources available in the Library. where as 0% of PG Science and 19.57% of PG Arts Students use Digital resources among the resources available in the Library. 0% of PG Science Students 3.91% of PG Arts Students use Journals among the resources available in the Library. Government Reports are being used by 0% of PG Science Students and 2.17% of PG Arts Students. This Table also shows that 29.33% of Science and 22.17% of Arts Research Scholars mostly use books among the resources available in the Library, and 38.67% of Science and 23.91% of Arts Research Scholars use Reference books among the resources available in the Library, and 0% of Science and 1.74% of Arts Research Scholars use magazines among the resources available in the Library. 32% of Science and 26.52%  Arts Research Scholars use News Papers among the resources available in the Library. where as 0% of Science and 19.57% of Arts Scholars use Digital resources among the resources available in the Library. 0% of Science 3.91% of Arts Scholars use Journals among the resources available in the Library. Government Reports are being used by 0% of Science Scholars and 2.17% of Arts Scholars.

 

Q6. What sources you mostly used to acquire information

 

Table 9: What sources you mostly used to acquire information.

 

 

This Table shows that majority of the PG students 78.57% of Science and 89.61% of Arts students utilises both Print and Electronic media to acquire information, whereas 17.86% of Science and 1.3% of Arts Students utilises Electronic media to acquire information, Further 3.57% of Science and 9.09% of Arts students utilises Print media to acquire information.

This Table shows that majority i.e 80.95% of Science and 72% of Arts students utilises both Print and Electronic media to acquire information, whereas 9.52% of Science and 20% of Arts Students utilises Electronic media to acquire information, Further 9.52% of Science and 8.00% of Arts students utilises Print media to acquire information.

 

Q7. How would you know the required information source is available in your Library.

 

Table 10: How would you know the required information source is available in your Library

 

 

 

This Table shows that 16.82% of Science and 12.79% of Arts students Search Library Catalogue for the required information source available in the Library, and 2.8% of Science and 4.65% of Arts Students Consult Librarian for the required information source available in the Library, and 14.95% of Science and 59.30% of Arts Students Browse Library collection at racks for the required information source available in the Library. 56.07% of PG Science Students and 3.49% PG Arts Students for the required information source available in the Library identify through friends where as 7.48% of PG Science and 0% of PG Arts Students identify Through Faculty Members. 1.87% of PG Science Students 19.77% of PG Arts Students Do not Know where the required information source available in the Library. .

This Table shows that 20% of Science and 24% of Arts Research Scholars Search Library Catalogue for the required information source available in the Library, and 10% of Science and 16% of Arts Scholars Consult Librarian for the required information source available in the Library, and 65% of Science and 52% of Arts Scholars Browse Library collection at racks for the required information source available in the Library. 5% of Science Scholars and 8% Arts Scholars identify the required information source available in the Library through friends where as 0% of Science and 0% of Arts Scholars identify Through Faculty Members. 0% of Science Scholars 0% of Arts Scholars Do not Know where the required information source available in the Library.

 

Q8. In order to become familiar with a subject, about which you know very little, first you consult.

 

Table 11: In order to become familiar with a subject, about which you know very little, first you consult.

 

 

Table 11 shows that PG students 0% of Science and 6.45% of Arts students become familiar with the subject by consulting Encyclopaedia, whereas 5.68% of Science and 19.35% of Arts Students become familiar with the subject by consulting a data base available in Library. Further 22.73% of Science and 64.52% of Arts students become familiar with the subject by consulting Text Books that are available in Text Book. Google is being used by the majority 71.59% Science and 6.45% 0f Arts students. 0% of Science and 3,23% of Arts students don’t know where to consult to familiar with the subject. This Table also shows that 25% of Science and 16% of Arts students become familiar with the subject by consulting Encyclopaedia, whereas 10% of Science and 12% of Arts Students become familiar with the subject by consulting a data base available in Library. Further 15% of Science and 24% of Arts students become familiar with the subject by consulting Text Books that are available in Text Book. Google is being used by the majority 45% Science and 48% of Arts students. 5% of Science and 0% of Arts students don’t know where to consult to familiar with the subject.

 

Q9. You have found a Book on your topic which section of the Book will you consult to find other documents on the topic.

 

Table 12: You have found a Book on your topic which section of the Book will you consult to find other documents on the topic.

 

 

This Table shows that PG students 6.98% of Science and 4.4% of Arts students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Glossary of the Book to find other documents on the topic, whereas 18.60% of Science and 4.40% of Arts Students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Index of the Book to find other documents on the topic. Further 1.16% of Science and 4.40% of Arts students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Bibliography of the Book to find other documents on the topic. The Table of Contents is being used by the majority 73.26% Science and 85.71% of Arts students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Table of Contents of the Book to find other documents on the topic, whereas the other sources found to be negligible.

 

This Table shows that 10% of Science and 15% of Arts students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Glossary of the Book to find other documents on the topic, whereas 0% of Science and 0% of Arts Students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Index of the Book to find other documents on the topic. Further 15% of Science and 0% of Arts students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Bibliography of the Book to find other documents on the topic. The Table of Contents is being used by the majority 75% Science and 85% of Arts students found a Book on their topic by consulting the Table of Contents of the Book to find other documents on the topic, whereas the other sources found to be negligible.

 

Q10. To find the most recent information about a topic you consult

 

Table 13: To find the most recent information about a topic you consult

 

 

This Table shows that PG students 23.75% of Science and 41.86% of Arts students found most recent information about a topic by consulting A Book, whereas 13.5% of Science and 19.77% of Arts Students found most recent information about a topic by consulting The Journal. Further 41.25% of Science and 18.60% of Arts students found most recent information about a topic by consulting Encyclopaedia. internet is being used by 10% Science and 8.14% of Arts students found most recent information about a topic, whereas the other sources found to be negligible and don’t Know is the option selected by 3.75% of Science and 5.81% of Arts Students.

This Table shows that 15% of Science Scholars and 20% of Arts Scholars found most recent information about a topic by consulting A Book, whereas 60% of Science and 52% of Arts Scholars found most recent information about a topic by consulting The Journal. Further 20% of Science and 8% of Arts Scholars found most recent information about a topic by consulting Encyclopaedia. Dictionary is being used by 5% Science and 12% of Arts Scholars found most recent information about a topic, whereas the other sources found to be negligible and don’t Know is the option selected by 0% of Science and 4% of Arts Scholars.

 

Q11. When searching a specialised database for documents on specific topic is recommended to use the terminology specific to that database. To identify those terms which of the following you would consult.

 

Table 14: When searching a specialised database for documents on specific topic is recommended to use the terminology specific to that database. To identify those terms which of the following you would consult.

 

 

This Table shows that 17.98% of Science and 7.32% of Arts students  found it useful to consult a dictionary to use the terminology specific to a database, whereas 3.37% of Science and 14.63% of Arts Students found it useful to consult a a thesaurus / subject authority file of the database to use the terminology specific to a database. Further 56.18% of Science and 34.15% of Arts students found it useful to Search through an internet search engine for the terminology specific to a database. 22.47% Science and 43.90% of Arts students don’t know where to consult to use the terminology specific to a database, however the other’s option was selected by none of the students.

This Table shows that 25% of Science and 16% of Arts Research Scholars  found it useful to consult a dictionary to use the terminology specific to a database, whereas 10% of Science and 12% of Arts Scholars found it useful to consult a a thesaurus / subject authority file of the database to use the terminology specific to a database. Further 60% of Science and 68% of Arts scholars found it useful to Search through an internet search engine for the terminology specific to a database. 5% Science and 4% of Arts scholars don’t know where to consult to use the terminology specific to a database, however the other’s option was selected by none of the students.

 

Q12. Are you familiar with the usage of computers.

 

 

Table 15: Are you familiar with the usage of computers.

 

 

 

This Table shows that majority of PG students 100% of Science and 3% of Arts students  are familiar with the usage of Computers Where as 0% of Science and 96.43% of Arts Students are familiar with the usage of Computers.

This Table shows that majority of Research Scholars 21.43% of Science and 26.19% of Arts Scholars are familiar with the usage of Computers, where as 78.57% of Science and 73.81% of Arts Scholars are not familiar with the usage of Computers.

 

 

 

Q13.  What type of media you will use to copy the files from the computer

 

Table 16: What type of media you will use to copy the files from the computer

 

 

This Table shows that 41.82% of Science and 26.37% of Arts students use emails to copy the files from computer, whereas 38.18% of Science and 45.05% of Arts Students use Hard copies/ Printouts to copy the files from computer. Further 19.09% of Science and 27.47% of Arts students use pen drives to copy files from the Computer. CDs are being used by 0.91% of Science and 1.10% of Arts students for copying file from the Computer.

 

This Table shows that 20% of Science and 20% of Arts scholars use emails to copy the files from computer, whereas 60% of Science and 64% of Arts Scholars use Hard copies/ Printouts to copy the files from computer. Further 15% of Science and 8% of Arts Scholars use pen drives to copy files from the Computer. CDs are being used by 5% of Science and 8% of Arts students for copying file from the Computer.

 

Q14. Using a search engine such as Google or yahoo, I would not find.

 

Table 17: Using a search engine such as Google or yahoo, I would not find.

 

 

This Table shows that 56.98% of Science and 45.16% of Arts students found it useful to through Google/ Yahoo to find the Books available in the Library, whereas 5.81% of Science and 9.68% of Arts Students found it useful to search through Google/ Yahoo to find the Bibliographical Information about famous people. Further 17.14% of Science and 17.20% of Arts students found it useful to Search through Google/ Yahoo for information about computers. 19.77% Science and 25.81% of Arts students answered “don’t know” for this question, however the other’s option was selected by very negligible number of students.

 

This Table shows that 85% of Science and 72% of Arts Research scholars found it useful to through Google/ Yahoo to find the Books available in the Library, whereas 5% of Science and 8% of Arts Scholars found it useful to search through Google/ Yahoo to find the Bibliographical Information about famous people. Further 10% of Science and 16% of Arts Scholars found it useful to Search through Google/ Yahoo for information about computers. 0% Science and 4% of Arts students answered “don’t know” for this question; however, the other’s option was selected by none of the research scholars.

 

Q15. You have used the words “Report Writing” in a library catalogue search no document is found what do you include.

 

Table 18: You have used the words “Report Writing” in a library catalogue search no document is found what do you include.

 

 

This Table shows that 53.57% of Science and 40.70% of Arts students  found it useful to include “The Library does not have any document on this topic” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue, whereas 26.19% of Science and 19.77% of Arts Students used the words “I have not used the correct words” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue. Further 13.10% of Science and 27.91% of Arts students found it useful to include “All documents on this topic are already on loan” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue. 7.14% Science and 10.47% of Arts students found it useful to include “The documents are misplaced” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue., however the other’s option was selected by very negligible number of students.

This Table shows that 60% of Science and 68% of Arts Scholars  found it useful to include “The Library does not have any document on this topic” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue, whereas 15% of Science and 16% of Arts Scholars used the words “I have not used the correct words” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue. Further 10% of Science and12% of Arts Scholars found it useful to include “All documents on this topic are already on loan” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue. 10% Science and 4% of Arts Scholars found it useful to include “The documents are misplaced” in Report Writing if they did not find any document while searching through Library catalogue., however the other’s option was selected by very negligible number of students.

 

Q16. To search a database for information on the topic “Measures currently uses across your country to decrease the damage to the natural environment”. Among the following search strings which one describes best to retrieve the information required.

 

Table 19: To search a database for information on the topic “Measures currently uses across your country to decrease the damage to the natural environment”. Among the following search strings which one describes best to retrieve the information required.

 

 

This Table shows that with reference to the question asked 21.43% of Science and 52.33% of Arts students  found it useful to use the search string “Damage to the natural environment India, whereas 19.05% of Science and 11.63% of Arts Students found it useful to use the search string “Measures currently  used in India”,  Further 40.48% of Science and 23.26% of Arts students found it useful to use the search string “Damage Environment measures currently used” with reference to the question asked. 15.48% Science and 5.81% of Arts students found it useful to use the search string “Protective Measures and Environment India” for this question, however the other’s option was selected by very negligible number of students.

This Table shows that with reference to the question asked 75% of Science and 95% of Arts scholars  found it useful to use the search string “Damage to the natural environment India, whereas 10% of Science and 5% of Arts Scholars found it useful to use the search string “Measures currently  used in India”,  Further 10% of Science and 20% of Arts Scholars found it useful to use the search string “Damage Environment measures currently used” with reference to the question asked. 5% Science and 5% of Arts Scholars found it useful to use the search string “Protective Measures and Environment India” for this question, however the other’s option was not selected by either Science or Arts Research Scholars.

 

Q17. Which of the following can be found in the catalogue (tick mark)

 

Table 20: Which of the following can be found in the catalogue (tick mark)

 

 

This Table shows that with reference to the question asked 24.10% of Science and 29.89% of Arts students could find “All the titles of the Books available in the Library” in the catalogue, whereas 22.89% of Science and 9.20% of Arts Students found “All the titles of the Books published” in the catalogue,  Further 26.51% of Science and 20.69% of Arts students found “All the titles of articles found in the journals available in the Library” in the catalogue. 19.28% Science and 26.44% of Arts students found “All the titles available in the Library” in the catalogue. none of the above  option was selected by 4.82% of Science Students and 3.45% of Arts Students. However “Don’t know” option was selected by 2.41% of Science Students and 10.34% of Arts Students for the same question.

This Table shows that with reference to the question asked 80% of Science and 88% of Arts Research Scholars could find “All the titles of the Books available in the Library” in the catalogue, whereas  5% of Science and 0% of Arts Scholars found “All the titles of the Books published” in the catalogue,  Further 15% of Science and 8% of Arts Scholars “All the titles available in the Library” in the catalogue.  “None of the above” and “All the titles of articles found in the journals available in the Library” options are not selected by any Scholar. However, “Don’t know” option was selected by 0% of Science Scholars and 4% of Arts Scholars for the same question.

 

Q18. Which of the following best describe(s) the quality of articles published in a scholarly journal.

 

Table 21: Which of the following best describe(s) the quality of articles published in a scholarly journal.

 

 

This Table shows that with reference to the question asked 32.14% of Science and 37.21% of Arts students felt that “The information is written for the Lay Person”, best describes the quality of articles published in a scholarly journal. 38.10% of Arts Students and 31.40% felt that “It includes a list of References” is the best option for the question asked. 14.29% of Science Students and 15.12% of Arts Students has chosen the option “The research Method used is described” for better describes the quality of the articles published in a scholarly journal. Further the option “it has been evaluated by an editorial Board before Publication” option was chosen by 7.14% of Science Students and 6.98% of the Arts Students for the question under consideration. The option “Don’t know” is selected by 8.33% of the Science Students and 9.3% of the Arts Students for the same question. No student was selected “None of the above” option.

 

This Table shows that with reference to the question asked 40% of Science and 24% of Arts Scholars felt that “The information is written for the Lay Person”, best describes the quality of articles published in a scholarly journal. 10% of Science Scholars and 12% Arts Scholars felt that “It includes a list of References” is the best option for the question asked. 45% of Science Students and 56% of Arts Scholars has chosen the option “The research Method used is described” for better describes the quality of the articles published in a scholarly journal. Further the option “it has been evaluated by an editorial Board before Publication” option was chosen by 5% of Science Scholars and 8% of the Arts Scholars for the question under consideration. No Scholar selected “None of the Above” and “Don’t know” options.

 

Q19. Do you aware of the following services in your library (tick one)

 

Table 22: Do you aware of the following services in your library (tick one)

 

 

 

 

 

With reference to the availability of the services in the Library 4.44% of Science Students and 13.77% of Arts students are aware about the “Inter Library Loan” facility in Library. 24.44% of Science Students and 20.36% of Arts Students are aware of the “Reference Services” in the Library. 2.78% of Science Students and 1.2% of Arts Students are aware the “Current awareness Services (CAS)” facility available in the Library. No Student has selected the option “Selective dissemination of Information Service (SDI)” related to the services available in the Library. The facility of “Xerox or Photo Copying” availability in the Library is known to 21.67% of Science students and 29.94% of Arts Students are aware of this facility available in Library. The “Bibliographic” facility is known to 3.33% of Science Students and 3.59% of Arts Students. Further 43.33% of the Science Students and 31.14% of the Arts Students are aware about the “Internet” facility in the Library.

 

With reference to the availability of the services in the Library 15% of Science Scholars and 12% of Arts Scholars are aware about the “Inter Library Loan” facility in Library. 45% of Science Scholars and 44%  of Arts Scholars are aware of the “Reference Services” in the Library. 10% of Science and 12% of Arts Scholars are aware the “Current awareness Services (CAS)” facility available in the Library. 0% of Science Scholars and 4% of Arts Scholars has selected the option “Selective dissemination of Information Service (SDI)” related to the services available in the Library. The facility of “Xerox or Photocopying” availability in the Library is known to 5% of Science Scholars and 8% of Arts Scholars are aware of this facility available in Library. The “Bibliographic” facility is known to 10% of Science Scholars and 0% of Arts Scholars. Further 15% of the Science Scholars and 20% of the Arts Scholars are aware about the “Internet” facility in the Library.

 

Q20. Have you ever used the above library Service Yes ( )  No ( ), If Yes what service you used

 

Table 23: Have you ever used the above library Service Yes ( )  No ( ), If Yes what service you used

 

 

This Table shows that majority of PG students 79.76% of Science and 86.05% of Arts students used the above library Service, Whereas 20.24% of Science and 13.95% of Arts Students did not used the above library Service. This Table shows that majority of Research Scholars 20.24% of Science and 13.95% of Arts Scholars used the above library Service, where as 5% of Science and 12% of Arts Scholars did not used the above library Service.

 

Q21. For what purpose you use internet service.

 

Table 24: For what purpose you use internet service.

 

 

This Table shows that majority of PG students 82.14% of Science and 87.21% of Arts students used the internet service for the Academic Work, Whereas 17.86% of Science and 12.79% of Arts Students used the internet service for the Personal Work. This Table shows that majority of Research Scholars 75% of Science and 88% of Arts Scholars used the internet service for the Academic Work,  where as 25% of Science and 12% of Arts Scholars used the internet service for the Personal Work.

 

Q22.  Do you know what is website or world wide web (www).

 

Table 25: Do you know what is website or world wide web (www).

 

 

This Table shows that majority of PG students 94.05% of Science and 97.67% of Arts students know what is website or world wide web (www), Whereas 5.95% of Science and 2.33% of Arts Students does not know what is website or world wide web (www).

This Table shows that majority of Research Scholars 85% of Science and 80% of Arts Scholars know what is website or world wide web (www), whereas 15% of Science and 20% of Arts Scholars does not know what is website or world wide web (www).

 

Q23. How do you know the website address of Harvard University

 

Table 26: How do you know the website address of Harvard University

 

 

For this table, the question under consideration is how the student knows the website address of the Harvard University. 9.52% of Science Students and 8.89% of the Arts students know the website address of Harvard University is Through Librarian. 10.71% of Science Students and 6.67% of the Arts students know the website address of Harvard University is Through Teacher. 75% of Science Students and 78.89% of the Arts students know the website address of Harvard University is Through Search Engine. 4.76% of Science Students and 5.56% of the Arts students know the website address of Harvard University Through Friends.

 

For this table, the question under consideration is how the Scholar knows the website address of the Harvard University. 15% of Science Scholars and 24% of the Arts Scholars know the website address of Harvard University is Through Librarian. 15% of Science Scholars and 16% of the Arts Scholars know the website address of Harvard University is Through Teacher. 60% of Science Scholars and 52% of the Arts Scholars know the website address of Harvard University is Through Search Engine. 10% of Science Scholars and 8% of the Arts Scholars know the website address of Harvard University Through Friends.

 

Q24. Which of the following is required to search the internet.

 

 

Table 27: Which of the following is required to search the internet.

 

 

 

This Table shows that majority of PG students 92.86% of Science and 97.67% of Arts students using Browser for searching the internet, whereas the other options are found to be negligible.

This Table shows that majority of Research Scholars 95% of Science and 96% of Arts Scholars using Browser for searching the internet, whereas the other options are found to be negligible.

 

 

 

 

Q25. Have you ever interacted with Library Staff.

 

Table 28: Have you ever interacted with Library Staff

 

 

This Table shows that majority of PG students 90.48% of Science and 88.64% of Arts students interacted with Library Staff, whereas 5.95% of Science and 2.33% of Arts Students did not interacted with Library Staff.

This Table shows that majority of Research Scholars 85% of Science and 80% of Arts Scholars interacted with Library Staff, whereas 15% of Science and 20% of Arts Scholars did not interacted with Library Staff.

 

Conclusions

Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to identify the need for information, find, locate, evaluate and use needed information effectively and efficiently. Information literacy is the competency that empowers one with the required knowledge about information, its nature and available formats; skills to fetch the relevant information by sifting the irrelevant, and attitude for consuming and sharing information, by ethical means and practices, (Koneru, 2010). On the basis of data analysis and observations, it is found that majority of PG students and research scholars are lagging behind in the use of many library sources and services. They are deficient in necessary library skills and need assistance of library staff. They face many problems while seeking required information. They didn't have the capacity to use e-resources effectively. The findings show that there is a lack of awareness regarding the importance of different search techniques for effective information retrieval. Overall, the respondents do not have good information literacy skills. It is also found that PG students have low level of information literacy skills as compared to research scholars. Under these circumstances it is strongly recommended that the officials of the university need to strive for the improvement in Digital literacy among the students both PG and Research scholars of Acharya Nagarjuna University.

 

Scope for Further Research

The present study has shown the information literacy skills among post-graduate students and Research Scholars of Acharya Nagarjuna university from the departments of Arts and Science. A Similar study can also be conducted more exhaustively on the topics, A comparative study of information literacy skills of Research scholars and faculty members also may be conducted.

 

 

Declarations

Acknowledgements: Thankful to the faculty and Staff of Library and Information Science for providing basic facilities for carrying out this research work..

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding: This research received no external funding.

Author Contributions: Both authors contributed equally to this manuscript.

Data availability: The data is available with the corresponding author.

 

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Citation: Swarnalatha Chinthagunta, PV Subba Rao. 2023. A Study on Information Literacy among the Postgraduate Students and Research Scholars of Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India 1(2): 16-34.

Copyright: ©2023 Swarnalatha Chinthagunta, PV Subba Rao. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.