AN ASSESSMENT OF INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS AND INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AND UTILIZATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF MOSES ORSHIO ADASU UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI MOAUM

Abstract

This study assessed the information literacy skills, information retrieval practices, and utilization of academic resources among undergraduate students of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM). Guided by the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards, the study employed a descriptive survey research design, targeting a stratified random sample of 600 students across various faculties. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that students possessed a moderate level of information literacy skills (cluster mean = 2.72), with limited formal training being a major gap. Information retrieval abilities were rated high (mean = 2.67), with students demonstrating familiarity with OPAC and digital repositories. Utilization of resources was frequent (mean = 2.80), with internet-based sources being the most accessed. However, challenges such as inadequate training, poor internet connectivity, limited access to databases, and low awareness of available resources were identified (mean = 2.83). The study fills a gap left by previous research by offering a broader and more holistic view of students' engagement with both print and electronic resources, institutional support systems, and practical information use across all faculties. Recommendations include mandatory literacy training, improved digital infrastructure, and curriculum integration of retrieval and utilization skills. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance students' academic performance through improved access and application of information resources. This study contributes to the growing discourse on library resource effectiveness in Nigerian universities and informs strategies for strengthening research competence and lifelong learning among undergraduates.