Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Investigation into library staff attitudes, knowledge and skills relating to information literacy in NZ public libraries

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thesis
posted on 2021-11-13, 20:13 authored by Peart-Baillie, Katrina Helen

The National Library of New Zealand defines information literacy as "locating, evaluating, managing and using information effectively from a range of sources for problem solving, decision making and research". The attitudes and the attributes of staff involved in all aspects of information literacy will have implications for both formal information literacy initiatives and one-on-one instruction undertaken in public libraries. This study investigated the attitudes, knowledge and skills that reference staff in New Zealand public libraries hold in relation to information literacy. The study employed a mixed methods approach using a self-completion questionnaire and in-depth interviews. This study shows that overall library staff have a high level of knowledge and awareness of what information literacy is. The importance of people being information literate is recognised and the public library's role in this acknowledged. Skill levels varied across the skill areas related to information literacy and between library staff. Library assistants have lower levels of skills than the overall sample whilst holders of library qualifications reported higher skill levels. The results have implications for professional development of staff in the area of information literacy.

History

Copyright Date

2005-01-01

Date of Award

2005-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Library and Information Studies

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Library and Information Studies

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Masters Research Paper or Project

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Information Management

Advisors

Webster, Berenika