Determine the nature and level of information needed

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 52 views

Literacy Skills Analysis Student Information Program Masters in English Language University of North Sumatra Based on the Competency Standards for Literacy Information Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL)

Introduction

In today's digital age, information literacy has become a crucial skill for individuals to navigate and make sense of the vast amount of information available. The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) has established competency standards for information literacy, which serve as a benchmark for academic institutions to assess the information literacy skills of their students. This study aims to analyze the literacy skills of students in the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra, specifically focusing on their ability to meet the ACRL competency standards.

Background

The University of North Sumatra is one of the leading institutions in Indonesia, offering a range of academic programs, including the English Master Study Program. The program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of English language and literature. However, with the increasing complexity of information available today, it is essential for students to possess strong information literacy skills to navigate and make sense of the vast amount of information.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews with five students from the second semester of 2018/2019. The researchers used purposive sampling techniques to determine the appropriate informants. The interviews were conducted to gather information on the students' literacy skills and their ability to meet the ACRL competency standards.

Results

The results of the study indicate that the students in the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra have successfully implemented the five information literacy standards set by ACRL:

Determine the nature and level of information needed: Students are able to identify the types of information needed for their academic assignments and adjust their search for information with those needs.
Finding information needed effectively and efficiently: Students have shown the ability to use various sources and search tools to find relevant information quickly and precisely.
Evaluating information and its sources critically: Students not only receive information as it is, but also consider the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of sources in a broader context.
Using information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose: Students are able to use the information they have found to accomplish their academic goals.
Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information: Students are aware of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of information.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the students in the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra have met the existing standards set by ACRL. However, there is still room for further development, particularly in the areas of using academic databases and deeper research skills. With the increasing complexity of information available today, the ability to adjust to the development of information technology is also very important.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of information literacy skills among students in the higher education curriculum. The results of this study indicate that the students in the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra have met the existing standards set by ACRL. However, there is still room for further development, particularly in the areas of using academic databases and deeper research skills. Educational institutions are expected to provide greater support in the development of student information literacy skills.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Provide additional training: Educational institutions should provide additional training to students on the use of academic databases and deeper research skills.
Develop information literacy skills: Educational institutions should develop information literacy skills among students, particularly in the areas of evaluating information and its sources critically.
Encourage the use of information technology: Educational institutions should encourage the use of information technology among students, particularly in the areas of searching and evaluating information.
Provide support for students: Educational institutions should provide support for students in developing their information literacy skills, particularly in the areas of using information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study only included five students from the second semester of 2018/2019.
Limited scope: The study only focused on the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra.
Qualitative approach: The study employed a qualitative approach, which may not be generalizable to other populations.

Future Research

Future research should aim to:

Expand the sample size: Future research should aim to include a larger sample size to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Include other academic programs: Future research should aim to include other academic programs to increase the scope of the study.
Employ a mixed-methods approach: Future research should aim to employ a mixed-methods approach to increase the validity and reliability of the findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of information literacy skills among students in the higher education curriculum. The results of this study indicate that the students in the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra have met the existing standards set by ACRL. However, there is still room for further development, particularly in the areas of using academic databases and deeper research skills. Educational institutions are expected to provide greater support in the development of student information literacy skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Literacy Skills Analysis Student Information Program Masters in English Language University of North Sumatra Based on the Competency Standards for Literacy Information Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL)

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to analyze the literacy skills of students in the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra, specifically focusing on their ability to meet the ACRL competency standards.

Q: What are the ACRL competency standards for information literacy? A: The ACRL competency standards for information literacy include five standards:

Determine the nature and level of information needed: Students are able to identify the types of information needed for their academic assignments and adjust their search for information with those needs.
Finding information needed effectively and efficiently: Students have shown the ability to use various sources and search tools to find relevant information quickly and precisely.
Evaluating information and its sources critically: Students not only receive information as it is, but also consider the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of sources in a broader context.
Using information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose: Students are able to use the information they have found to accomplish their academic goals.
Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information: Students are aware of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of information.

Q: What are the results of this study? A: The results of this study indicate that the students in the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra have successfully implemented the five information literacy standards set by ACRL.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study only included five students from the second semester of 2018/2019.
Limited scope: The study only focused on the English Master Study Program at the University of North Sumatra.
Qualitative approach: The study employed a qualitative approach, which may not be generalizable to other populations.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study? A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Provide additional training: Educational institutions should provide additional training to students on the use of academic databases and deeper research skills.
Develop information literacy skills: Educational institutions should develop information literacy skills among students, particularly in the areas of evaluating information and its sources critically.
Encourage the use of information technology: Educational institutions should encourage the use of information technology among students, particularly in the areas of searching and evaluating information.
Provide support for students: Educational institutions should provide support for students in developing their information literacy skills, particularly in the areas of using information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

Q: What are the implications of this study? A: The implications of this study are that educational institutions should provide greater support in the development of student information literacy skills. This includes providing additional training, developing information literacy skills, encouraging the use of information technology, and providing support for students.

Q: What are the future research directions? A: Future research should aim to:

Expand the sample size: Future research should aim to include a larger sample size to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Include other academic programs: Future research should aim to include other academic programs to increase the scope of the study.
Employ a mixed-methods approach: Future research should aim to employ a mixed-methods approach to increase the validity and reliability of the findings.

Q: What are the benefits of this study? A: The benefits of this study are that it highlights the importance of information literacy skills among students in the higher education curriculum. It also provides recommendations for educational institutions to improve the development of student information literacy skills.