Attaining Information Literacy: An assessment of Indian Agricultural Universities approach to enhancing Student’s Information and Research skills

Abstract

Information Literacy is receiving increasing attention among Indian professional practice with emergence of electronic resources and digitization activities in libraries. As early as 1970’s User instruction existed in Indian agricultural universities and were adapted from US land Grant pattern universities. Formally popularly known as User education, most universities had an embedded curriculum approach to enhance students information and research skills . This study investigates and analyses what agricultural universities are offering to enhance their students library or information skills. In addition, identifies basic contents in terms of latest developments, library skills and research skills, approach to uniformity, concept like subject librarian.Findings reveal that out of 34 universities surveyed , significantly high more than 90.0 % offer credit bearing information literacy through curriculum approach by different names, to mention a few like Research Methodology and Library Use, Technical writing and User Education, Storage and Retrieval of Scientific Information, Agricultural Information system etc. Most state universities provide such course to Graduate students and are yet to introduce structured courses for under graduates. In the year 2010 the Indian Council of Agricultural Research formulated Common Academic Regulations (CAR) and introduced a mandatory IL course entitled Library and Information Services coded PGS-501 for Post Graduate Studies. Some 20% state universities have now introduced IL as essential part of curricula after CAR. The study also points out the need for innovative perspective in mode of delivering educational content engaging greater online or e- learning experiences.