Published on February 2021 | Information Needs and Information Seeking Strategies, Information Search Process

INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS AND USE OF E-RESOURCES BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIA IN RELATION TO KUHLTHAU’S MODEL OF INFORMATION SEARCH PROCESS (ISP)

The study investigated the level of information literacy skills and use of EIRs through the application of Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) by undergraduate students of Federal Universities in Nigeria and developed a conceptual model framework to represent the findings. The study adopted the principles of positivist assumptions using Cross-Sectional survey and a Two-Stage Cluster sampling technique on a sampled 2,402 undergraduate students. Data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics. The study found out that the Model is effective to this study as it describes the information search process from the perspective of the user which developed a principle of uncertainty that initiates the process of information seeking. The findings revealed that undergraduate students have adequate knowledge about information literacy program (mean=4.0) and are aware of a programs that teach users about how to use e-resources in seeking for information to increase self awareness (mean=4.3). The study found out that ICT facilities enable undergraduate students acquire more information (90.3%) and have adequate knowledge about information literacy program and search terminologies (1,034/51.2%) which initiate the search process. The general conclusion of the research is that undergraduate students have adequate information literacy skills but experience heightened uncertainty with inconsistent information that requires construction and interpretation. The study recommended that librarians need to re-evaluate their roles and be more active in the task of inculcating the principles of information literacy and apply its various aspects in appropriate situations for the promotion of information literacy programs.