The awareness and application of multimedia tools for information literacy instruction at an African university
ISSN: 0264-0473
Article publication date: 29 July 2020
Issue publication date: 13 November 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine academic librarians’ awareness and application of multimedia content for information literacy (IL) instruction at the North-West University in South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used both the survey and focus group interviews to gather data from the university's faculty librarians.
Findings
The results of this study show that despite the majority of librarians being aware of the existence and benefits of multimedia tools that can complement their traditional instructional practices, very few actually apply the tools for IL instructional practices. Among the multimedia tools that the librarians often use for the IL instruction, LibGuides were the most favourable because of their ease of use. The main reasons for not using the multimedia tools cited by librarians include the lack of infrastructure and insufficient skills.
Practical implications
This study recommends the reskilling of librarians by training them in the use of multimedia tools for IL instruction.
Social implications
The paper sheds light on the current strategies being implemented by faculty librarians in providing IL using multimedia tools. It also outlines the importance of multimedia tools in enhancing eLearning endeavours. Multimedia skills for librarians can also be essential during times of crisis such as the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Originality/value
This study is a welcome contribution to the role of ICTs in enhancing library activities during the 4IR. The voice of the librarians in this area has also been minimally represented. This study, therefore, seeks to address these gaps in published scholarly literature.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge all the NWU faculty librarians who took part in the study. The authors also thank the NWU Centre for Teaching and Learning for their continued support in assisting librarians with developing multimedia content for IL.
Citation
Mashiyane, D.M., Bangani, S. and Van Deventer, K. (2020), "The awareness and application of multimedia tools for information literacy instruction at an African university", The Electronic Library, Vol. 38 No. 4, pp. 711-724. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-02-2020-0027
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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