Promoting information literacy skills through web‐based instruction: The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library experience

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library's development of its web‐based Information Literacy Tutorial and how it was incorporated into the mandatory Student IT Proficiency Test.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the current trends faced by academic libraries in Hong Kong and the need to provide web‐based e‐learning tutorials on information literacy skills to support diverse ways of learning. It describes the implementation of the web‐based tutorial at The Chinese University of Hong Kong as the courseware of the information literacy section in the IT Proficiency Test.

Findings

The reference librarian's teaching role is expanding as information literacy instruction becomes increasingly valued by university administrators and faculty. The inclusion of information competencies as a graduation requirement provides opportunities to incorporate information literacy into the curriculum and foster collaboration between faculty and librarians.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on Hong Kong academic libraries and is useful for librarians planning to develop an interactive e‐learning platform on information literacy.

Citation

Fong Li, L., Leung, S. and Tam, G. (2007), "Promoting information literacy skills through web‐based instruction: The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library experience", Library Management, Vol. 28 No. 8/9, pp. 531-539. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120710837819