Information Literacy Among Faculty Members Of Central Universities A Survey

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to bring to the audience about the overview and nature of the research study under investigation. The chapter initiates with the introduction of information literacy along with its explanation, statement of the problem, operational definitions, objectives, hypotheses, scope and significance of the study. At the end of this chapter, the research methodology adopted to conduct the study and the limitations and delimitations of the study is also explained in detail. newline1.1. INTRODUCTION newlineInformation literacy(IL) is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information.IL is a crucial skill in the pursuit of knowledge. It involves recognizing when information is needed and being able to efficiently locate, accurately evaluate, effectively use, and clearly communicate information in various formats. It refers to the ability to navigate the rapidly growing information environment, which encompasses an increasing number of information suppliers as well as the amount supplied, and includes bodies of professional literature, popular media, libraries the internet, and much more. Increasingly, information is available in unfiltered formats, raising questions about its authenticity, validity and reliability. This abundance of information is of little help to those who have not learned how to use it effectively. (ALA Progress Report on IL,1989) newline2 newlineTo become lifelong learners, one need to know not just how to learn , but how to teach ourselves. One must acquire the skills necessary to be independent and self directed learners. An information literate person should be able to: newlineand#61656; Identify information needs and determine the extent of information needed; newlineand#61656; Locate and retrieve appropriate sources of information; newlineand#61656; Evaluate information and its sources critically; newlineand#61656; Synthesize the information retrieved, integrate it into oneand#8223;s current knowledge base, and successfully apply it to the original information need; newlineand#61656; Present this newly acquired knowledge so that others can use it. newlineand#61656; Translate these