DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS AND INFORMATION ACQUISITION IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to evaluate student digital literacy skills and information acquisition in an online environment. Seven research questions were raised and analyzed for the purpose of the study. The total enumeration technique was used to survey all the one hundred and eighty-eighty (188) final year Library and Information Science students and librarians of the University of Benin. The data for the study were collected using the questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using mean, frequency and simple percentage. The findings revealed that students and librarians have a high level of digital literacy skill which are necessary for information acquisition in online environments. The study revealed the digital literacy skills such as capability to use the www, using the www to find specific information, taking part in an online discussion group, sending email messages which were significant for information acquisition in online environments. It was also revealed that students and librarians have a high level of information acquisition due to the fact that they acquire information through means such as purchase, gifts and donations, exchange. The findings revealed the influence digital literacy skills had on information acquisition. It also revealed the role of various online platforms and resources in the development of digital literacy skills and the challenges experienced when acquiring digital literacy skill. The study also revealed strategies or interventions to enhance digital literacy skills for more effective information acquisition and the effectiveness of these strategies or interventions.