Information literacy in Zanzibar universities

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current situation and the future of information literacy programs in Zanzibar universities by looking at information literacy awareness, the extent of information literacy provision and the role of university libraries in promoting it. The survey was conducted in three universities of Zanzibar, where university library staff, deans and directors of schools/ faculties, heads of departments and undergraduate students were involved in the study. A total of 200 respondents participated in the study and the results were analyzed quantitatively. The findings show that a certain degree of information literacy awareness exists among library and academic staff, though promotion and provision of its skills are still in the infancy stages. Inadequate numbers of qualified information literacy specialists, lack of background in teaching information literacy and lack of cooperation between librarians and faculty members were identified as the sources of the problems. Based on the findings, the researchers made a number of recommendations to address the shortcomings, which include: organize information literacy seminars and workshops, create awareness programs, design and implement information literacy curriculum and course content.