Information Literacy Initiatives in Sri Lankan University Libraries

Abstract

Information literacy (IL) which is described as the ability to recognize when information is needed, and to be able to locate and evaluate the appropriate information and use it effectively, have become prerequisite for all levels of education including higher education. Objective of this study is to examine to what extent the IL is practiced in university libraries in Sri Lanka. It studies the effectiveness of existing user education (UE) programs as well as IL programs in 15 national university libraries in Sri Lanka. The survey questionnaire is used as the primary data collection instrument and the findings of the study are discussed in this paper. Study revealed that all the responded university libraries (73%) are conducting UE programs and only 63% out of them have introduced IL programs. However, it was identified that majority of these IL programs are only extensions of existing UE programs and as a result, no proper contribution can be expected by them on the improvement of IL skills among user community. Suggestionsare made to overcome this issue and the study has emphasized the need for a national policyframework on IL skills development.