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Abstract:

Purpose – To investigate the type of information sources used by primary school students for project work, their preferred information formats and the importance and reasons for using certain information sources.

Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire survey.

Findings – It was found that the Internet was the most preferred information source for project work, followed by public and school libraries. Similarly, digital information sources were preferred over print and audio-visual materials. Among published information sources, the respondents considered the Internet and reference sources more important for their project work. Among human information sources, teachers, parents and siblings were considered more important than library staff and friends. The main reasons identified for using different information sources were “accessibility”, “ease of use” and “appropriateness” to project work. Certain attributes such as accuracy and currency of information were considered less important in the selection and use of information which was probably due to inadequate information literacy skills possessed by these students.

Practical implications – The study should be helpful for anyone involved in school librarianship or learning support for school children.

Originality/value – It is expected that this study would provide an insight into the use and non-use of certain information resources at the school and public libraries and allow library managements to review their collections, services and information access policies. It will also help them determine the type of information literacy training required by these students.

Keywords:

Information literacy, Information media, Primary schools, School libraries, Singapore

Article Type:

Research paper

Article URL:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/00242530710721998

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