Skilled for the Future: Information Literacy for AI Use by University Students in Africa and the Role of Librarians

Abstract

The role of libraries in preparing students to thrive during their studies and innovate after university is growing in importance. Information is more easily accessible through digital channels and is increasingly abundant. Generative Artificial intelligence (AI) adds to this reality and increases the need for digitally driven information literacy skills. This paper aims to guide librarians by discussing the digitalization of information creation, retrieval, and use. It recommends the training of both digital and information literacy for students. Librarians are called upon to provide clear guidelines to their universities to steer the use of generative AI. The implications of digital information sources and generative AI are discussed with the role of librarians in context.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Information literacy and digital literacy are related.

• Academic libraries should include digital topics in information literacy training.

• Information literacy should be trained at the start of university education and before students begin dissertation writing.

• University libraries should propose guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence tools by students.

Keywords:

• African universities
• AI
• BardAI
• ChatGPT
• digital literacy
• generative artificial intelligence
• higher education
• information literacy
• university libraries

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Munich, Germany for hosting him in Germany and allowing him to present on the topic of AI use in universities. The author further thanks the Chair of Media Psychology of the University of Wuerzburg for discussing the topic of AI and providing insights into how media psychologists can contribute to ethical use.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).