AN ASSESSMENT OF DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS AMONG LIS UNDERGRADUATE OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to evaluate the assessment of digital literacy skills among LIS undergraduate of University of Benin. Five research questions were raised and analyzed for the purpose of the study. The total enumeration technique was used to survey all the ninety seven (97) final year Library and Information Science students of the University of Benin. The data were collected with a questionnaire instrument and analyzed using frequency and simple percentage. The result revealed that; 400 level LIS undergraduate of the university of Benin posses high level of digital literacy skills, they acquire digital literacy skills through professionals, constant practice and use of digital technology, by participating in computer/ITprograms, guidance from friends/colleagues and computer/ITbooks. LIS undergraduate of University of Benin use digital literacy skills to access information resources, for retrieval and speedy dissemination of information, obtaining answers to specific questions, completing assignment, carrying out research work, downloading resources, and visiting social networking sites. It also revealed that LIS undergraduates of University of Benin have a good knowledge of digital literacy skills and the challenges experienced by LIS undergraduate of the university of Benin when acquiring digital skills cut across poor internet connection, erratic power supply, lack of technical know-how, high cost of digital skill training programmes, financial incapacitation to acquire digital tools, lack of conducive digital and literacy learning environment. Based on the results, it was recommended that University of Benin should restructure their curriculum in accordance with current trends in practical digital technology learning instead of dwelling on the traditional analogue methods of teaching and LIS undergraduate students should see digital literacy skills as a necessity for living and success and thus, should embrace it with open arms by making their personal sacrifice in acquiring relevant digital literacy skills through self-sponsored training.