Information Literacy in Everyday Life

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Information Literacy in Different Contexts of Everyday Life

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Developing Food and Nutrition Literacy with the Croatian Facebook Group “Homemade Food for Babies”

      Drahomira Cupar, Mate Juric

      Abstract

      The aim of this research is to analyze possible food literacy benefits for the members of the Facebook group “Homemade Food for Babies”. Food literacy was operationalized as a combination of nutrition literacy and healthy cooking behavior. Methods used were: content analysis of documents from the Facebook group, an interview with the main administrator, and a survey, which was completed by 1081 members. The parents that are often using the group content (recipes, guidelines, advice) are enhancing their perceived food literacy. Active participation and membership duration are a lot less beneficial. Reading the group documents is crucial for nutrition literacy, and using the recipes is important for healthy cooking behavior. Additionally, motivation and using expert advice are predictors of both of those components of food literacy. The administrator is an expert and uses credible sources to give informed advice. The group is highly valued by majority of the members.

   3. An Invitation to Globalize the Information Literacy Agenda: Expanding Discourse

      Sergio Chaparro, Zachary Newell

      Abstract

      This paper attempts to investigate and discuss concepts of information literacy (IL) in light of global challenges to information access, the pervasiveness of educational inequalities, and the culture of informality that affects information consumers across spectrums around the world. We explore the possibility that these factors suggest a need to refine IL as a way of increasing its impact for the everyday citizen and expanding its mostly inside-the-classroom effect. We also propose the need to investigate the role of social media in normalizing misinformation and disinformation for everyday citizens in developing nations – what the authors see as dysfunctional information scenarios (DIS), where the majority of news is retrieved through contaminated channels. In turn these problems erode the basic principles of both democracy and IL and point to a need for IL educators to do more to expand the reach of information literacies across socioeconomic, cultural and political divides.

   4. Biometric Tools in Information Science. The Example of an Information Literacy Study – A Holiday Planning Experiment

      Justyna Jasiewicz, Małgorzata Kisilowska, Anna Jupowicz-Ginalska

      Abstract

      Effective studies within interdisciplinary research fields, such as information literacy, require complex research methodologies. The purpose of the paper is to present the possibilities of biometric tools in the field of information science in triangulation with other methods and techniques. In addition to a literature review, the paper presents the project concerning information skills of young respondents in everyday life tasks. The study was conducted with the triangulation of a behavioral experiment, biometric measurements, and individual interviews. Results proved that young people are not as fluent in social media usage as it may seem. College students have limited communication and content creation skills. University students, however, present more advanced information skills. That might implicate the positive influence of university education and socialization on information literacy. During the project the biometric measures proved to be effective tools in exploring psychophysiological reactions while executing information tasks.

   5. Privacy Literacy and the Everyday Use of Social Technologies

      Zablon Pingo, Bhuva Narayan

      Abstract

      The increased privacy concerns and risks associated with the misuse of personal information collected, processed and re-purposed from various digital technologies calls for users’ understanding of their own informational privacy. While regulatory and technical mechanisms exist to protect individuals’ information privacy, these approaches have failed to be effective. This study presents the case for privacy literacy from an information literacy perspective as a complementary mechanism to the existing approaches to protecting individuals’ information privacy. The research used a constructivist paradigm, through interviewing twenty-one participants, and through online observation of SNS (social network services), and a privacy-settings walkthrough specifically on Facebook, and asking participants to track their online footprints and talk about any personal information found online.

   6. Personal Information Management and Organisation Competencies: A Review of Information Literacy Conceptual Frameworks and Standards

      Jerry Jacques

      Abstract

      The aim of this paper is to identify, in information literacy conceptual frameworks and standards, contributions and definitions related to personal information management and organisation competencies. This article reviews the scientific literature pertaining to information literacy and information literacy standards proposed by educational institutions and information professionals’ associations. The review consists of an inventory highlighting the need of (1) information literacy frameworks and standards dedicated specifically to these competencies and (2) dedicated research on personal information management and organisation competencies. The conclusion of this paper introduces a framework of personal information organisation competencies which constitutes a first attempt to define these competencies as essential components of personal information management literacy, leading the way for its recognition as a key domain of information literacy.

   7. Students on a Social Media ‘Detox’: Disrupting the Everyday Practices of Social Media Use

      Krista Lepik, Maria Murumaa-Mengel

      Abstract

      This article explores how disruption of habitual social media use reshapes the information behavior of emerging adults. Using the core ideas from theories about the social acceleration of time, reverse domestication and social media literacies, we designed a study where full-time BA-level students (N = 42) were asked to keep a diary about quitting social media for five consecutive days. Despite temporary disconnection, participants expressed anxiety and negative emotions brought on by the non-usage and perceived slowing of time – meaning mostly boredom and ‘fear of missing out’ while being inaccessible to others. Alternatively, many participants expressed fulfillment and a sense of serenity from the absence of constant availability. Considering this exercise of contemplating taken-for-granted activities, we propose a simple tool to reflect upon information behavior in the context of accelerating social time, to ensure subjectively perceived comfortable sense of time.

3. Information Literacy, Active Citizenship and Community Engagement

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Character Building in Children’s Online Information Behaviours: Applying a Virtue Epistemology Perspective to Information Literacy

      David McMenemy, Steven Buchanan

      Abstract

      This paper advances our understanding of the theoretical and practical challenges of developing intellectual character in children’s online information behaviours. We argue that widely reported issues such as misinformation and disinformation extend IL education beyond considerations of ability to considerations of disposition, and highlight this as an understudied topic within IL education. We introduce the classical concept of intellectual character and discuss virtues traits in the IL context. Applying Baehr’s nine intellectual virtues to two commonly cited IL models, we evidence limited presence of virtues in IL models, and propose an important agenda for future research.

   3. Assessing Libraries’ Community Roles. Proof of Concept

      Helena Lipkova, Tomas Diviak, Adela Jarolimkova, Barbora Drobikova, Hana Landova

      Abstract

      An essential condition for a public library’s fulfilling its community role is a thorough understanding of its position in the local social network. The approaches used by libraries so far are based on partial, intuitive forms of assessment. In our study, we prove that the analysis of such networks can be based on a theoretically, as well as methodologically, rigorous approach. This article outlines the possibilities of using - Social Network Analysis (SNA) - in the field of library and information science (LIS). The main contribution of this study is the pilot verification of SNA in a local library in a small-town environment, in this case the town of Sedlčany located in Central Bohemia (population: 7,000). The SNA was applied using basic descriptive measures within the sociocentric approach and subsequently compared to the results of the subjective, intuitive self-assessment of the egocentric network by the library staff.

   4. Four Spaces of Civic Literacy Education: A Literature Review

      Jos van Helvoort

      Abstract

      The purpose of this literature study was to obtain an overview of previous civic literacy projects and their characteristics as primarily described in educational science literature. Eighteen academic articles on civic literacy projects in higher education were studied in detail and coded using the qualitative data analysis instrument, Atlas.ti. The codes and quotations compiled were then divided in various categories and represented in a two-axis model. The definitions of ‘civic literacy’ found in the literature varied from an interest in social issues and a critical attitude to a more activist attitude (axis number 1). The analysis of the literature showed that, especially in more recent years, more students than citizens have benefited from civic literacy projects in higher education (axis number 2). The visualization of the findings in the two-axis model helps to place civic literacy projects in a broader frame.

   5. The Relationship Between Media Literacy and Civic Participation Among Young Adults in Latvia

      Agnese Davidsone, Vineta Silkane

      Abstract

      The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between different aspects of media literacy as an increasingly needed life-skill, and practices of active citizenship. In our empirical work, we rely on the notion of media literacy as a multidimensional concept consisting of: (1) functional consumption, (2) critical consumption, (3) functional prosumption, and (4) critical prosumption of media. Our sample consists of 406 respondents (36% males and 64% females) in the age group of 18–30. Results show that civic activity is predicted by the functional prosumption, and critical prosumption of media. Based on our results, we argue for media literacy promotion in school and university curricula with an increased emphasis on various practices of information production and sharing as forms of self-expression and media prosumption being a vital part of active citizenship and citizen engagement.

4. Information Literacy, Health and Well-Being

   1. Frontmatter

   2. The Health of a Musician: Identifying Musicians’ Unstated/Unrecognized Health Information Needs

      Loriene Roy, Yan Zhang

      Abstract

      One local non-profit organization in Austin, Texas, USA is HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians). HAAM assists musicians, music teachers, and disc jockeys by providing no- or low-cost health coverage along with dental, hearing, and vision care. Additional programs include Hepatitis-C testing and treatment and discounted wellness services (acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage). Without HAAM, 31% of Austin musicians would be without health insurance. In 2016 HAAM collaborated with the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) Dell Medical School to evaluate HAAM services and measure depression, pain interference, physical function, and social engagement/social isolation. HAAM staff need more details on musicians’ barriers to receiving health care. One finding was that the HAAM members did not avail themselves of HAAM basic services. The aim of this paper is to examine the results of this study that identified musicians’ stated health information needs and outline the structure of a planned subsequent study on unstated but overt health information needs. The future study will focus also on the place of information literacy, health literacy, and health insurance literacy in assisting musicians in taking wise health actions.

   3. Developing Health Information Literacy in Disadvantaged and Dependent Circumstances: The Everyday Role of Family Nurses

      Steven Buchanan, Emma Nicol

      Abstract

      This paper examines the challenges of developing health information literacy (HIL) amongst disadvantaged and dependent populations from the perspective of non-information professionals occupying everyday support roles. Our participants were a team of UK Family Nurses providing outreach support to vulnerable young mothers from areas of multiple deprivations. Our data collection methods were observation, interviews, and focus groups. Our participants all believe that they have an important role in developing HIL in clients but are unfamiliar with fundamental overarching information literacy (IL) concepts and models. Consequently, their confidence in their own ability to develop HIL skills in clients is limited. We discuss that to extend primary healthcare practices beyond HIL support to HIL education requires not only IL training, but also an appropriate pedagogical approach adaptable to semi-structured problematic situations. We raise important questions regarding approaches to developing HIL in disadvantaged populations.

   4. Differences in Health Information Literacy Competencies Among Older Adults, Elderly and Younger Citizens

      Isto Huvila, Noora Hirvonen, Heidi Enwald, Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt

      Abstract

      To address the research gap on age-based differences in health information literacy (HIL), we investigated how younger (born 1960–) and older adults (1946–1960), and elderly citizens (–1945) differed from each other by their HIL competencies. Data were collected with an online survey of patients using the Swedish national electronic health record system. Altogether, 2,587 users responded. One-way ANOVA with post hoc tests revealed several differences between the groups: younger adults were less likely to value health information than older adults; older adults and elderly were least likely to compare information from multiple sources and had trouble in determining health information needs; older adults were most likely to have trouble understanding health terminology and the elderly to have difficulties in understanding medicinal package labels. The study shows that HIL is not necessarily improving or declining but adapting to challenges of advanced age.

   5. Which Approaches and Methods Are Most Appropriate for Exploring Health Information Behaviour?

      Marianne Paimre

      Abstract

      The aim of this paper is to establish the approaches preferred in studies focusing on online health information seeking behaviour (OHISB). Based on the content analysis of 70 articles on OHISB retrieved from EBSCOhost databases, five larger groups of studies were identified: (1) quantitative approach (39%), (2) qualitative research (25%), (3) mixed methods design (9%), (4) meta-analysis and bibliometric aspect (10%) and (5) other studies (e.g., theoretical aspect, online health information quality). Thus, quantitative research does dominate, but only to a degree. The qualitative aspect has grown considerably over time. Subject to the analysed literature, it may be concluded that the mixed methods seem to have generated the most comprehensive approach for studying OHISB in all its variety and complexity. However, this design was in fact least used in the analysed studies compared to quantitative and qualitative research.

   6. Finnish School Health Education Viewed Through an Information Literacy Lens

      Noora Hirvonen, Tuula Nygård, Laura Palmgren-Neuvonen, Anna-Maija Huhta, Maija-Leena Huotari

      Abstract

      In Finland, health education is included as an independent subject in the core curriculum for basic education where it is suggested to promote students’ health literacy. In this qualitative study, we examine Finnish health education in schools through an information literacy lens. The material comprises the most recent Finnish core curricula for basic education (2004, 2014) and health education textbooks (n = 4), which were analysed with content analysis guided by theoretical conceptions of information literacy. The concept of information literacy is not used in the core curricula, but there are closely related learning objectives especially in the most recent curriculum. Textbooks cover information evaluation topics but focus less on information access and use. The study contributes to understanding the potential of information literacy promotion in school-based health education. Yet, future studies should examine health education practices to reflect how the ideas presented in the documents are implemented in practice.

   7. Understanding Health Literacy Through the Lens of Phronesis: The Case of Coronary Artery Disease Patients

      Venkata Ratnadeep Suri, Shaheen Majid, Schubert Foo, Hannah Trinity Dumaual-Sibal, Yun-Ke Chang

      Abstract

      In research as well as in clinical settings, health literacy is often measured using self-rated psychometric instruments. Research has, however, shown that although patients perform poorly on health literacy measures, over time, they tend to develop skills and strategies to empower themselves to manage their chronic disease conditions. In this study using focus group interviews as a methodology, and information landscapes and phronesis as conceptual building blocks, we tried to understand how patients acquire, evaluate, and use health information to deal with their chronic disease conditions. Phronesis refers to practical knowledge and wisdom that people develop through experience and is enacted by patients to make health-related decisions and engage in healthy behaviors. Results show that patients enact a number of strategies that reflect phronesis when managing their chronic conditions. Findings from this study are discussed to evaluate phronesis as an important concept for understanding successful chronic disease self-management. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.

   8. Young People’s Digital Safety and Wellbeing: Findings from Philippines and Qatar

      Virgilio G. Medina Jr., Ross J. Todd

      Abstract

      This study emphasizes the critical role of libraries as catalysts in fostering digital literacy and digital well-being among young people participating in the collaborative digital and information landscape. Approximate 350 high school students from Philippines and Qatar participated in this study via a library instruction activity and were asked to record their ideas through a collective mind map and present it to the class. With the support of evidence-based action plan, the researchers used this as a guideline to facilitate digital literacy instruction to educate participants developing their digital safety skills by emphasizing various risks within the digital environment. The findings highlight some specificity of technical terms that students use in engaging and participating in an online world and raise concerns about young people’s digital safety and digital well-being and the impact of this on their personal, academic, and social roles and identities.