Information Literacy Skills: Student Opinions and Perceptions at the University of Lugano

Abstract

This research work intends to explore students’ understanding of the role and importance of information literacy skills (ILS), particularly in relation to students’ academic learning. It also explores the role of the library in fostering ILS. It finally seeks to know students’ feelings about a course on ILS. The location of this investigation is the University of Lugano. This study concerns itself primarily with undergraduate and postgraduate students, but it also seeks the opinion of academic researchers and librarians. The purpose for carrying out a study on student perceptions of ILS is twofold: firstly, it is extremely important to have students’ views on the subject, especially if a course on ILS is to be implemented1; secondly, such a preliminary study is an important vehicle for suggestions for future studies into related fields, such as students’ information needs, the criteria to set up an ILS course, and the collaboration between library and departments. Finally, this study hopes to contribute to existing literature on students’ perceptions of information literacy by comparing and discussing the outcomes.