Browsing by Author "Smit, Santel"

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    Information literacy of adult users for the 4th industrial revolution: a case study of Adriaanse library, South Africa
    (University of the Western Cape, 2024) Smit, Santel; Momoti, Nikiwe Gloria
    This pragmatic case study investigated the information literacy of adult users during the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). A sequential mixed method approach was employed and data were collected using a pre-and post-test design as well as semi-structured interviews. The Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) framed the study using the Seven Pillars of Information Literacy model through a Digital Literacy lens. A purposively selected sample of thirty adult users drawn from a population of 875 participated in the study. Quantitative data collected from 20 participants were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science while qualitative data from 10 participants were manually coded into themes and analysed. The findings revealed that while adult users have progressed in using digital technology and possess basic information literacy skills, they face challenges in evaluating online information and navigating the digital landscape effectively. Moreover, these participants showed increased critical thinking skills and fake news detection abilities but faced difficulties in assessing the credibility of sources and distinguishing between opinion and fact. The study identified a strong preference for smartphones, with limited use of computers and tablets. The participants demonstrated improved skills in browsing library catalogues, downloading information and internet surfing, but struggled with using specific programmes and searching for information online. This study contributes to the Library and Information Service practice by informing the development of effective information literacy training programmes for adult users preparing them for the challenges and opportunities presented by the 4IR. The findings highlight specific areas that require focused training, such as critically evaluating online information, navigating digital environments and assessing the credibility of sources.