Information Literacy Among Students in Higher Learning Institutions in Ghana: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Abstract

This article investigates information literacy among students in higher learning institutions in Ghana using Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as a case study. Specifically, it sought to find out students’ information sources, the mechanisms instituted by the institution to promote information literacy, assess students’ information literacy skills, and find out the challenges impeding students’ access to information. Adopting the survey research design, 391 final-year undergraduate students and 3 librarians were conveniently sampled for the study. Results show that KNUST has put in place mechanisms to support information literacy and this includes a network of libraries, varied library tools and resources, and information literacy training and orientation programs. Students demonstrated competence in recognizing their information needs, evaluating information sources critically, and effectively utilizing gathered information for academic purposes. However, the findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to enhance skills in locating and accessing information sources, as well as in understanding ethical and legal considerations associated with information use. The study concludes that the institution’s efforts to promote information literacy can be bolstered by addressing key challenges faced by students in seeking information which reflect a complex interplay of technological, resource-related, and skill-related factors.

Keywords:

• Academic libraries
• information literacy
• information literacy skills
• undergraduates

Disclosure statement

The author reports that there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Akosua Boatemaa Adarkwa upon request.