Influence of Information Literacy Programme on Undergraduate Students' Use of Information Resources in Tertiary Institutions in Yobe State

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of information literacy programmes on undergraduate students' use of information resources in tertiary institutions. A quantitative research approach employing a cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study was conducted in three purposively selected institutions: Yobe State University, Damaturu; Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu; and the College of Education (Technical), Potiskum. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, a total of 400 undergraduate students constituted the study population out of which 288 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, where frequencies and percentages were used in analyzing the data. Simple random sampling technique was used to ensure a representative from the selected tertiary institutions in Yobe State. The findings revealed that information literacy programmes positively influenced students' use of information resources by increasing library patronage, promoting the use of electronic resources and academic databases, improving students' research competencies, encouraging independent learning, enhancing confidence in conducting research, and strengthening the ability to identify and utilize scholarly information. The study also identified challenges affecting the acquisition of information literacy skills, including inadequate ICT facilities, insufficient numbers of trained librarians, limited awareness of information literacy programmes, difficulty understanding information literacy concepts, inadequate practical sessions, poor scheduling of training programmes, and low student motivation. The study concludes that information literacy programmes play a significant role in improving undergraduate students' effective utilization of information resources. It recommends strengthening ICT infrastructure, integrating information literacy into institutional curricula, increasing practical training opportunities, and providing continuous professional development for librarians to enhance programme effectiveness.