-
Author
-
Jakobina M Mwiiyale, Nampa Utuna Hamutumwa & Menete N Shatona
-
Year
-
2025
-
Publisher
-
Taylor and Francis
-
Abstract
-
A pilot investigation examined the views of 105 first-year students on an Information Literacy (IL) training program at the University of Namibia (UNAM), with 69 participants providing feedback. This research employed a case study methodology to evaluate the viability of incorporating IL into the curriculum through a joint initiative between the university library and the Language Centre Department at UNAM’s Windhoek Campus. The study centered on English for General Communication courses, analyzing students’ experiences, obstacles, and suggestions. The results indicated that a session on past exam papers was deemed the most valuable by 50 respondents. Furthermore, 10 students found the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) session beneficial, whilst nine preferred the e-resources component. However, mature students displayed notable unease when using the OPAC, exhibiting hesitation and frustration during practical book searches. Although past exam papers emerged as the most helpful resource, students indicated needing additional clarification to navigate e-resources and OPAC. These findings inform a crucial institutional decision: the endorsement and integration of an IL course into the Academic Literacy module for all first-year students commencing in 2023. A subsequent assessment is scheduled for 2025 to evaluate students’ perspectives and academic progress, ensuring the ongoing enhancement of IL instruction.