Investigation into library staff attitudes, knowledge and skills relating to information literacy in NZ public libraries

Abstract

The National Library of New Zealand defines information literacy as "locating, evaluating, managing and using information effectively from a range of sources for problem solving, decision making and research". The attitudes and the attributes of staff involved in all aspects of information literacy will have implications for both formal information literacy initiatives and one-on-one instruction undertaken in public libraries. This study investigated the attitudes, knowledge and skills that reference staff in New Zealand public libraries hold in relation to information literacy. The study employed a mixed methods approach using a self-completion questionnaire and in-depth interviews. This study shows that overall library staff have a high level of knowledge and awareness of what information literacy is. The importance of people being information literate is recognised and the public library's role in this acknowledged. Skill levels varied across the skill areas related to information literacy and between library staff. Library assistants have lower levels of skills than the overall sample whilst holders of library qualifications reported higher skill levels. The results have implications for professional development of staff in the area of information literacy.