Information Literacy and Search Strategy Proficiency: A Need Analysis
, Fariza Khalid, Andrew BrowneThe aims of this study are to assess the current information literacy skills of students undertaking Capstone projects, identify the gaps in students’ ability to find and evaluate literature material, and prove the need for developing scaffolded online instructional materials to support students’ research activities in Capstone projects.
Students today are digital natives who are expected to use information technology naturally. However, this digital literacy does not necessarily reflect their ability to conduct effective academic searches. This study addresses the gap between students’ general digital literacy and their ability to perform advanced search techniques.
A single case study approach was employed, using a survey with structured questionnaires. This study employed purposive, non-probability sampling techniques where 218 students who were enrolled in the Capstone project were the target respondents.
This study contributes by confirming, through a focused case study approach, that students’ general proficiency in information technology does not extend to advanced academic search skills. The study’s findings underscore the importance of developing instructional modules tailored to bridge these skill gaps.
This research finds that, even though students are generally proficient in information technology, their fluency does not extend to advanced academic search skills essential for the Capstone project. Specific deficiencies include limited ability to conduct effective literature searches, insufficient proficiency with Boolean expressions, low familiarity with specialized academic databases, and a tendency to rely on general search engines over academic tools. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted instructional interventions to equip students with the skills necessary for efficient and comprehensive literature searches, ultimately enhancing their academic performance.
The research suggests implementing online modules and scaffolding learning strategies within Capstone courses to enhance students’ search skills and effectively use academic resources.
Future research should explore the development and effectiveness of specific instructional interventions in improving information literacy and search strategy proficiency.
Addressing these gaps in information literacy is crucial for better preparing students for rigorous research, professional practice, and lifelong learning, ultimately contributing to a more informed and competent workforce.
Future research could consider extending a single case study into a longitudinal study by administering the same survey across different student intakes. Repeating the survey with new intakes increases data reliability and helps confirm that the findings are not unique to a single cohort but are representative over time. This would allow the researcher to make broader generalizations, especially if the student demographics remain similar across cohorts.
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