This study examines how libraries influence undergraduates’ information literacy skills in Bangladesh.
Primary data were collected from 417 undergraduate students and 26 library professionals using a stratified sampling technique. Two separate new indices- the information literacy skills index and the role of library index were constructed to measure the level of students’ information literacy skills and the role of university libraries, respectively. A linear regression analysis was employed to identify the determinants of information literacy skills.
This study finds that the majority of students (56.35%) are at the upper semi-skilled level of information literacy and that the majority of university libraries (48%) provide a moderate level of service. This study also finds that a student’s information literacy skill may increase by 0.0558 if the library’s role is improved by 1%. The “present structure of academic programs” is identified as the core challenge in developing information literacy skills. By “introducing students to library and information literacy in the beginning through an orientation program,” challenges can be mitigated.
Based on the findings, this study recommends the “Funnel-Beaker Model for Information Literacy Skills” to enhance undergraduates’ information literacy skills.
