Information Literacy in Institutions Of Higher Learning in Kenya: A Case Study of Masinde Muliro University Of Science and Technology Library

Abstract

Information superhighway or Infobahn cannot be a success without information literacy. The two go together and that is why Wafula Margaret BSC (IS) came up with Information Literacy in institutions of higher learning in Kenya: A case study of Masinde Muliro University of science and technology Library. Students need to be taught on how to get information. Institutions of higher learning in Kenya are packed with information but the major problem is that students do not know how to retrieve and use this information. It is for this reason that the following questions had to be answered; what are the factors hindering information literacy? Which information literacy tools are used by students? What could be information literacy skills required by students? What should be the methods used in teaching information literacy? And finally how can information literacy programs be implemented? By investigating information literacy of selected undergraduate and postgraduate students in MMUST, survey research method was found to be the best method of assessing thoughts. A total of 115 answered questionnaires formed the basis of this study. However, majority of students do not have information literacy skills and either they do not know how to cite but they are familiar with retrieval tools like the OPAC. They accepted Information Literacy to be among the common courses taught in Universities. For this regard, lecturers should corporate in promoting Information literacy in institutions of higher learning. Library orientation and user education should be mandatory practices by information professionals. There should also be seminars and practical sessions on information literacy. Above all, Information literacy should be taught as a common course in all Institutions of higher learning in Kenya.