The Study of the Status of Information Literacy Skills amongst Public Librarians in Fars Province

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present paper is to examine the status of information literacy skills amongst public librarians in Fars province in terms of the information literacy standards. Methodology: This is an applied research with an analytical method. The Information Literacy Assessment (DAS) questionnaire was selected as the research tool. The questionnaire includes 55 questions and five standards designed to measure the information literacy skills of public librarians. The Pearson correlation test and t-test were used for data analysis. Findings: The results showed that the level of information literacy skills amongst public librarians is at an average level. The age and work experience of librarians seems to influence on their level of information literacy. There was a significant difference between librarians with library qualifications and librarians with other qualifications. It is also evident from the findings that the degree of education influences their level of information literacy amongst librarians. According to the findings, the public librarians have a low level of familiarity with the English language. Originality/Value: Public libraries play the role of a public university and have a significant role in the development of information literacy, both amongst members of the public and the broader community. An assessment of the status of information literacy amongst librarians, and planning for the development of such skills, will help libraries to achieve their goals.

Keywords

• information literacy
• fars province
• public librarians