Information literacy practices among adult learners in rural communities: a study of Nakasongola District

Abstract

Despite several interventions that include early childhood development, adult education and community non formal education, information literacy practice levels remain low in Nakasongola district at only 35.6% (UDHS: 2006). The situation is not any better amongst adult literacy learners in Nakasongola district. This study was carried out to establish the magnitude information literacy practices of adult learners’ in Nakasongola district. Literature related to the study was reviewed to establish the existing gaps in information literacy practices among adult literacy learners that revealed minimum inadequacy of information literacy practices a concern of this study. This study seeks to identify strategies to improve information literacy practices in rural communities. A case study design of Nakasongola district was used with the specific study population of adult learners. Data collection methods included; focus group discussion, document review and key informative interviews. Data was collected from adult learners using FDGs, document review and content analysis were employed as data collections methods as well as key informants that included program implementers, district officials or local leaders and adult learners’ facilitators Findings revealed that the common information literacy practices acquired revolved around information generation, search and access, utilization and dissemination, e.g AL depended on key informants to acquire information literacy practices. However information storage practices were insufficient. The study revealed that librarians/ information professionals were not involved in supporting adult literacy learners to enhance information literacy practices; activities of adult learners that impact information literacy practices were facilitated by personnel from development agencies who lack relevant expertises to support the learners.