Influence of information literacy skills on postgraduate students’ use of electronic information resources in public university libraries, North geopolitical zone, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of information literacy skills (ILS) on postgraduate (PG) students’ use of electronic information resources (EIRs) with a view to ascertaining the relationship between ILS and use of EIRs of public university libraries in North geopolitical zone, Nigeria. The study adopted quantitative research approach using cross sectional survey research design. The population of the study was 1416 library registered PG students. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 425 PG students as sample size for the study. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection.. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that a weak, positive but significant relationship exist between postgraduate students’ level of ILS and use of EIRs. The findings also revealed that there was a positive, multiple relationships between information identification skills, strategic skills, evaluation skills, information use skills and use of EIRs. The paper has provided valuable insight on the relationship between ILS and use of EIRs. This would form the bases for making appropriate decisions to guide policy and practice with regards to ILS acquisition and effective use of EIRs. The study concludes that in order to effectively use EIRs, PG students must possess high level of ILS. This would assist them in having access to current, authentic, relevant and up to date information. The study, therefore, recommended that university libraries should sustain the provision of EIRs and also organize training workshops to expose PG students to more practical aspects of ILS and use of EIRs. This paper is an empirical research that contributes to the existing body of knowledge.