Information literacy skills of first-year students at the Mangosuthu University of Technology at a pre-library orientation and instruction phase

Abstract

This article reports on a study which explored the information literacy (IL) skills of first-year students at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) at a pre-library orientation and instruction phase. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and used a questionnaire to collect data from a convenience sample of 170 students. Findings, which were in line with similar studies, revealed that most first-year students lack what could be considered fundamental IL skills. The findings underscored the necessity of IL programmes in both secondary and primary schools. It is further recommended that IL interventions start at what could be considered a basic level insofar as tertiary students are concerned. National IL standards which meet local needs of tertiary students and their curriculum need to be developed while taking cognisance of international standards.