Information Literacy of Freshmen of the Faculty of Arts, Silpakorn University

Abstract

This research article focuses on the information literacy of first year students in the Faculty of Arts, Silpakorn University. The study aims to find out 1) the students' information literacy and 2) their problems in searching for information. The findings indicate that students have average information literacy skills. When analyzing the skill level in each particular area, it is found that their skill in two areas; namely information evaluation and information searching are high. In addition, in three other areas (information analysis, synthesis and usage, information sources and resources identification and recognition of information needs) are all at a medium level.

The problems with information searching are as follows. First, most of the students lack knowledge and skills in searching OPAC. Second, students find difficulty in selecting the right key words when searching. Third, the information found is not relevant to their needs. Finally the students do not know about information resources which are useful for their searches.