Analysis of the digital information literacy skills of geoscientists at the Geological Survey of Namibia

Hipangwa, Martin

Analysis of the digital information literacy skills of geoscientists at the Geological Survey of Namibia

Thesis / Dissertation

2023

Abstract

In the context of the Namibian geosciences, the symbiotic relationship between digital information literacy skills and the geoscientists is not evidenced by literature. The purpose of the study was to critically analyse the digital information literacy skills of the geoscientists at the Geological Survey of Namibia at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The study used the six frames presented in the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework of Information Literacy for Higher Education (2016) as a theoretical framework that underpinned the study. Pragmatism paradigm was used as a philosophical lens to examine geoscientists' digital information literacy skills. A convergent parallel mixed methods approach was used and a case study research design to provide in-depth analysis of the digital information literacy skills. The study collected quantitative data via online questionnaire surveys with 32 (60%) geoscientists. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews from purposively sampled managers (7) and librarians (3) within GSN, and auto-ethnography was used as a secondary qualitative data collection method since the researcher is a senior librarian at the institution and, thus, a good data source. The study had four critical questions which explored geoscientists digital information literacy skills, challenges and gaps experienced in acquiring and enhancing these skills, services offered and strategies that can be used in the acquisition and enhancement of digital information literacy skills of geoscientists. The study findings revealed from the questionnaire survey that geoscientists are moderately high and highly skilled in the different six frames of the ACRL framework. While GSN managers, auto- ethnographer and librarians regarded the geoscientists as being fairly skilled in digital information literacy. The study found, lack of digital information literary trainings, collaborative spaces, motivation and professional support, funding and inability to use new technologies as key challenges experienced by geoscientists. The library and various Divisions are providing support services to geoscientists to acquire these skills. The study presented that digital information literacy skills trainings, better funding and a need based instructional plan can be put in place as some of the strategies to advance these skills. To aid in the quest for DIL skills by geoscientists, the study recommended further specialised digital information literacy skills trainings, establishment of community of practice, intentional funding for capacity development and investing in relevant digital infrastructure. Key words: digital information literacy skills, geoscientists, Geological Survey of Namibia

Keywords

Library and Information studies

Reference:

Collections

Masters

Full item page