Information literacy needs of university students

ABSTRACT

Introduction:  This article investigated the information profile of higher education students, focusing on their information needs and the impact of information literacy.

Objective:  The objective was to identify how these needs can be met to develop effective literacy strategies.

Methodology:  The research was conducted with Agroecology and Physics students from a technical and higher education institution in Acre through anonymous questionnaires that collected data on their research practices and use of information sources.

Results:  The results show that, although many students are familiar with search tools such as Google Scholar, there is a significant lack of knowledge about specialized databases and citation standards, which compromises the quality of research. Most students are not familiar with the critical evaluation of sources, essential skills in the contemporary information environment.

Conclusion:  The study concludes that there is an urgent need to integrate information literacy into academic curricula. Training and workshops are recommended to enable students to locate, evaluate, and use information critically and ethically. Differences between courses highlight the importance of approaches tailored to the specific needs of each area of ​​study. Investing in information literacy is crucial to preparing students for academic and professional challenges, promoting a research culture that values ​​quality and ethics.

KEYWORDS:
Information literacy; Teaching; Research; Information needs; Sources of information