Information literacy skills among female students in Kuwaiti high schools

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the level of information literacy skills in Kuwaiti high schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method was used for this study. The population frame consisted of the female students in the 11th grade of the largest governorate in Kuwait “AL‐Asema” which reflected the conditions and environment of a majority of high schools in Kuwait. A cluster random sample was picked of 11th grade classes of girls’ schools in the governorate. The sample thus consisted of a total of 263 students in the randomly selected clusters. A questionnaire was designed and personally administered. Data thus collected were analyzed.

Findings

It was found that a majority of Kuwaiti high school students lacked skills in catalog searching and use, selection of information sources, formulation of search strategies, and selection of pertinent sources. Similarly, a majority of them did not make effective use of their public or school libraries. Most of them had not borrowed a book for more than 13 weeks.

Originality/value

No such research has been conducted in this region. This study provides useful analysis of the prevailing situation that might help in planning and managing information literacy programs in these schools.

Citation

ur Rehman, S. and Alfaresi, S. (2009), "Information literacy skills among female students in Kuwaiti high schools", Library Review, Vol. 58 No. 8, pp. 607-616. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530910987091