Digital Information Literacy Among the Faculty of Applied Science Students at a Private University in Malawi

Abstract

This chapter reports on the study that aimed to assess the digital information literacy (DIL) skills among second-year students at the Faculty of Applied Science, University of Livingstonia in Malawi. About 132 students were sampled randomly to participate in the survey questionnaire. The study found that although students were aware of different types of digital information sources, they experienced challenges when it came to actual usage. The sampled students showed a deficiency of skills in basic ICTs, use of online databases, search techniques, web retrieval tools, and evaluating digital information. With respect to the ethical use of digital information, the study noted that while students acknowledged the importance of citation and referencing, they demonstrated ignorance on such citation and reference styles and the use of citation and reference management software tools. It also emerged from the study that ICT infrastructure, time limitation, and lack of interest affected student participation in DIL courses. The chapter potentially contributes to policy and practice.