Information literacy competencies of legal personnel in Nigerian federal universities: An empirical analysis

Abstract

This study centered on investigating the information literacy (IL) competencies of legal personnel at Nigerian federal universities (NFUs). The study was guided by six specific objectives. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 168 legal personnel at 43 NFUs. The total enumeration technique was used as a sample for the study. Questionnaires and observation checklists were used as data collection instruments. The researcher administered 168 questionnaires through research assistants, receiving a retrieval rate of 97.00% (163 completed questionnaires). Findings revealed that respondents displayed high competencies in locating, searching, evaluating, selecting, and communicating information resources (IRs). However, their competency in using IRs was found to be low. The study recommends that IL training should be considered a priority by both legal personnel and librarians to ensure smooth cooperation that would facilitate legal services delivery and IL training should be made more regular, consistent, holistic, and widely embraced. That is, any form of IL training should be implemented in both conventional and digital forms so that no individual would be left out.