Information Literacy Policies and Practices in Health Science and Medical Libraries in Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the existence of information literacy policies that guide the implementation of information literacy skills training programmes; and the practices available in the delivery of information literacy training. The study used a survey method, and targeted head librarians in four types of medical and health libraries from academic, research, special and mission hospital libraries. These libraries serve students, faculty and administrators. A structured self-administered questionnaire was sent via email to fifteen (15) libraries within Nairobi and in surrounding rural areas. Out of the fifteen libraries, ten responded and all the questionnaires were used for data analysis. The results showed that only a small percentage of libraries had policies that enable information literacy integration into the curriculum for examination. Others had no policies but still carried out information literacy activities. The study concluded that there is a gap between academic and research, special, and hospital libraries in Information Literacy training. There is a need for librarians to be trained in information literacy and pedagogical skills. Among challenges faced in Information Literacy training are lack of time for students to attend Information Literacy sessions, lack of adequate information infrastructure, and lack of time for librarians to immerse themselves in Information Literacy programmes due to understaffing. The study was a pilot that may lead to more in-depth research on the impact of information literacy in learning and healthcare delivery in Kenya. The paper recommends training of librarians in health-related information resources especially evidence-based practice resources.