Information Literacy Instructions in University Libraries of Lahore, Pakistan: Practices and Methods

Information literacy (IL) is an essential skill and play a vital role in active participation in the modern society. It is an information and a variety of skills that enable people to know when information is needed and to have the talent to accurately identify, analyse and utilize the information needed. It is knowledge and expertise of individuals to recognize when information is needed and to have the capacity to locate, assess, interpret and use effectively the needed information. This study intended to investigate the IL practices and methods used by professional librarians in university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. A quantitative method based on a descriptive research design was used. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey method. The population of the study contained 30 HEC recognized universities (11 public and 19 private) of Lahore. A sample of thirty head librarians was selected as participants for the study and coverd through census survey. The questionnaire developed by Ullah and Ameen (2015) was adapted according to the need of the study. The reliability value of the scale was α =.092. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. The results of the study indicated that most of the academic libraries were using a basic level of information literacy practices. The preferred delivery method of IL instructions was hands-on practice as most of the librarians were conducting IL sessions with the help of computer applications. Results further revealed that professional librarians at government and non-government sector university libraries of Lahore had the same perception regarding the effectiveness of IL instruction methods. The study recommended that universities should integrate IL instructions at all levels as credit or non-credit courses to help students to become life-long and independent learners