Comparing the Information Literacy of Medical Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran Using Association of College and Research Libraries Standards

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammadreza Hashemian 1
Mohammadjavad Alemokhtar 1
Akbar Hasanzadeh 2
1 Library and Information Sciences, Central Library, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Lecturer, Statistics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: According to Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), information literacy is defined as a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information". ACRL provides "Information literacy competency standards for higher education". The purpose of this study was to evaluate the medical student information literacy competency of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This was an analytical-descriptive study. Total of 150 medical students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences participated in the study. The data were collected by information literacy questionnaire based on "information literacy competency standards for higher education", according to a PhD thesis. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire have been previously confirmed. Results: The mean score of students were significantly up to 50 and bellow 100 in all the standards (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between male and female students in all the standards (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between students in various levels of education in standards 1 and 5; however, there was no significant difference in standards 2, 3 and 4 (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Self-examination can be one of the reasons affecting the findings; because the means were significantly up to the moderate level. On the other hand, reaching the upper level of information literacy skills needs information literacy training and relationship between students and faculty members. Keywords: Information Literacy; Students; Standards; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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