ICIL 2022 - Conference Programme

Arrival cocktail [Ferdinand Postma Library (Building E7), Besembos (Room G22)]
Tour of the Ferdinand Postma Library

Welcoming address: Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation (North-West University) 

Coffee/tea [Building E8, Foyer]

Chairperson: Mrs Hendra Pretorius, North-West University

International keynote: Prof. Judith Mavodza
Title: Impact of Digital Transformation on 4.0 Age Academic Library Services (Paper)

Abstract: This presentation addresses the transformation or metamorphosis that is happening in academic library services. The integration of digital technology into most aspects of services, radically altering how academic libraries operate and provide value to the communities they serve, is known as digital transformation. It is also a cultural shift that necessitates them to challenge the traditional methods of service, experimenting, and learning to accept failure while moving into the future. This is achieved by addressing digital transformation in library reference services and what that signifies; digital transformation and its implications in academic research; and the impact of digital transformation in library instruction services. The method used is a literature review. Results of the investigation reveal suggestions and ideas on how to provide services in the current fast-changing information environment heavily impacted by digital transformation while also being clear about the way forward.

Venue: Building E8, Room G42 - Dawie du Plessis lecture room

Title: Students' Perception of the Engineering Librarian using Multimodal Teaching Methods at the Durban University of Technology for the provision of Information Literacy (Paper)
Presenters:
Mousin Omar Saib, DUT  
Mogiveny Rajkoomar, DUT
Nalindren Naicker, DUT

Title: Insights on Academic Integrity Literacy Instruction and Policy Development in African Schools: A Call for Action (Paper - Virtual presentation)
Presenter:
Zakir Hossain, ICS Inter-Community School Zurich/International Association of School Librarianship 

Title: Information literacy provision to postgraduates and researchers: the #SmartResearcher workshops experience (PechaKucha - Virtual presentation)
Presenter:
Marié Roux, Stellenbosch

Title: Engaged learning through gamification: UFS Libraries and virtual escape rooms (PechaKucha)
Presenters:
Molatholi Sephoko, UFS
Nambitha Manqola, UFS

Title: Rethinking and reimaging the provision of Information Literacy during the Covid 19 pandemic: a case of University of Limpopo Library (Paper)
Presenters:
Abigail Shoroma, Limpopo
Kgaogelo Shai, Limpopo  
Gloria Ramaboea, Univen

Title: Through the looking glass: The UFS multi-campus first years’ library orientation (PechaKucha)
Presenters:
Lee Goliath, UFS
Larshan Naicker, UFS

National keynote: Prof. Bosire Onyancha
Title: Conceptualizing computer literacy, digital literacy, media literacy and information literacy: an informetric perspective using journals of publications (Paper)

Abstract: The era of the information age has witnessed the emergence of several concepts related to or used interchangeably with or in place of information literacy. Informetric scholars have noted the occurrence of over 73 literacy concepts in the literature on information literacy. The majority of these concepts emerged in the second decade of the 21st century, with the most common being media literacy, computer literacy, and digital literacy. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary nature of IL and its associated literacies, namely digital literacy (DL), computer literacy (CL) and media literacy (ML) has resulted in increased dispersion of the literature on the literacies across many disciplines. This has resulted in the publication of papers on DL, CL, ML and IL in hundreds to thousands of journals, some of which are not necessarily specialized in the subject domain. Finally, it has been observed that while the literature on IL-associated literacies is, to a large extent, intertwined, the concepts may have developed to acquire their own uniqueness and therefore become independent concepts in the 21st century. This study sought to examine the publications on CL, DL, ML and IL in an attempt to conceptualize the concepts using the sources that publish research in the respective subject domains. The study found minimum overlaps in the CL, DL, ML and IL journals, with 92 journals publishing papers in all the subject domains; the publication intensity differed from one concept to another; regarding the core journals in each subject domain, CL posted the highest number (i.e., 34), followed by DL (28) while ML's and IL's nuclei consisted of seven journals each. The list of core journals differs across the four subjects. The implications of the dispersion of the CL, DL, ML and IL in a variety of journals are discussed and conclusions are drawn based on the findings.

Venue: Building E8, Room G42 - Dawie du Plessis lecture room

Title: Data Literacy: Awareness of Research Data Management Issues by Researchers at South African Universities (Paper)
Presenter:
Matt Moyo, NWU

Title: What can Information Literacy learn from Information Audit? (Paper - Virtual presentation)
Presenter:
Michaela Domborvska, Silesian University in Opava, Czech Republic

Title: “Let me show you how it’s done”: information literacy practices of technical service librarians (Paper - Virtual presentation)
Presenters:
Marguerite Nel, UP
Mercia Moreane, UP

Title: Standardisation of information literacy content within the diverse and decentralised Wits libraries (Paper)
Presenter:
Bongi Mphuti, Wits University

Coffee/tea [Building E8, Foyer]

Chairperson: Mr Ntobeko Sikhakhane, North-West University

Title: The intersection between information literacy and critical pedagogy: updating the Stellenbosch University Information Literacy Framework (Paper)
Presenter:
Jeremiah Pietersen, Stellenbosch

Title: Impact of Digital Transformation on Academic Library Services (Paper)
Presenters:
Kgaegelo Shai, Limpopo  
Abigail Shoroma, Limpopo

Title: Gauteng-North Secondary school teacher's level of awareness of online information usage and netiquette in line with Mason’s PAPA model (Paper)
Presenters:
Dina Mashiyane, UFS
Nicolene Wessels, UFS   

Title: How the use of knowledge graphs can drive information literacy in research (Paper)
Presenter:
Bronwyn Rassmann, EBSCO

National keynote: Dr Brenda van Wyk
Topic: Online writing clinics as third space towards developing e-research literacy - a case study (Paper)

Abstract: Literature abounds on the lack of research and eResearch literacy among novice researchers. Research competency refers to the ability to apply a range of statistical, technical, and theoretical knowledge, among very specific skills. E-research requires the use of information and communication technology to facilitate research and requires, inter alia, both academic and digital literacies. During the pandemic lockdown, a number of issues surfaced in the case under study: the lived extent and impact of digital exclusion, and the inequality of the teaching and learning ecosystem were foremost in hampering the acquisition of eResearch skills. The transition to technology-assisted online facilitation posed challenges to information specialists, academics and students alike. The aim was to answer two questions: firstly, which research literacy, e-Research skills and research competency are required by novice researchers; and secondly, how can writing clinics transition from the traditional writing centres to online facilitation in supporting academic writing and research online? Informed by recent research, and through the lens of Third Space theory, this paper reports on the findings of a mixed-method study. Qualitative data were collected from semi-structured interviews with research managers and triangulated with collected quantitative data from a survey of 26 academic and support staff involved in academic and information literacy. Findings are that the foremost reported barriers and challenges include a lack of critical digital literacies and eResearch competency to enable self-determined research and learning. Online writing clinics as a Third Space were offered as a solution. The difference between a writing clinic and the traditional writing centre lies in the acknowledgement of prevailing metacognitive injustice and addressing this design with a more personal approach to alleviating fears of failure. This paper sets out to add to the existing body of knowledge and address inequalities. 

Venue: Building E8, Room G42 - Dawie du Plessis lecture room

Chairperson: Mr Jeremiah Petersen, Stellebosh University

Title: Beyond the library walls: Information literacy instruction for postgraduate students and researchers at a university library during a crisis (PechaKucha)
Presenters:
Hesma van Tonder, UFS
Carmen Nel, UFS

Title: Animated instruction: UFS faculty librarians’ approach to blended Information Literacy (PechaKucha)
Presenters:
Kegomodicwe Ellen Phuti, UFS  
Ronet Vrey, UFS
Gadibolae Lydia Moshotloa UFS     
Molatholi Sephoko, UFS  
Zinakile Wellington Sotu, UFS

Title: Frontline staff and Information Literacy: a case study at the Durban University of Technology Library (Paper)
Presenters:
David Thomas, DUT
Patricia Nomsikelelo Badenhorst, DUT
Mousin Omar Saib, DUT

Title: Information literacy for the support of student academic success at UWC during COVID-19  (Paper)
Presenters:
Sibongiseni Mrwashu, UWC
Anelisa Mente-Mpako, UWC  

Title: The impact of a book club on Information Literacy Skills at an African University Library (Paper)
Presenters:
Dina Mashiyane, UFS
Thuto Kgosiemang, UFS
Tebogo Makhurupetsi, UFS

Title: Information Literacy in the Omani Government Companies and its Impact on Employees’ Engagement and Performance (Doctoral Forum)
Presenters:
Hamed Al Azri, Sultan Qaboos University 
Naban Al-Harrasi, Sultan Qaboos University

Title: Opportunities and Challenges of Blended Learning, Remote Teaching and Flipped Classroom - Wits Library Experience (Paper)
Presenter:
Thuli Dhlamini, Wits University

Title: The impact of gate openers in accelerating research data literacy (Paper)
Presenter:
Dr Tiyani Mabunda, NWU 

Title: Information literacy instruction: role of the faculty (Paper)
Presenter:
Chilonga Mpundu, Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia

Title: Antecedents of Financial Information Literacy and Financial Management Behavior of University Students: Social Cognitive Perspective (Doctoral Forum - Virtual presentation)
Presenters:
Tabassum Aslam, Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Prof. Dr Khalid Mahmood, Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Gala dinner - The Roots
Dress code: Semi-formal/Traditional

International keynote speaker: Prof. Mary Sengati-Zimba
Title: Building a Sustainable Information Literacy Program across the university in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution (Paper)

Abstract:  This presentation focuses on building a sustainable Information Literacy (IL) program in an academic library, based on practical experience of a university in the Gulf. The program addresses the needs of students, staff, and faculty/researchers i.e., for the whole academic community. Librarians through IL instruction, workshops, and Reference Services, engage in building skills and competencies that allow individuals to cope with life, work, and studies in the 21st century. Through IL, learners are engaged to think critically, interpret, and evaluate information and use analytical skills to manage the technology for providing the information needed.  Information Literacy skills are key to putting technological skills to use. Developing a sustainable IL program prepares learners with skills needed to cope in the 4IR workplace, research and life in general. This makes Librarians and Information Management professionals more relevant than ever in training citizens with skills needed including digital literacy, information literacy, health literacy, media literacy, data literacy and other literacies. Interpretation and use of the information created by 4IR technology require knowledge and skills available through IL. Strategies, lessons learned and best practices used at this university Library may be applied in other libraries.

Venue: Building E8, Room G42 - Dawie du Plessis lecture room

Chairperson: Ms Adri Jansen, North-West University

Title: Researcher-librarian collaborations: a case for structural transformation towards the realisation of research goals through digital scholarship services in selected higher education institutions (Doctoral Forum)
Presenter:
Keitumetse Betsy Eister, CUT 

National keynote: Dr Daisy Selematsela, Wits University
Title: The transitioning of Information Literacy in the Global South (Paper)

Abstract: The world is changing fast. We have known this from the writings of futurist Alvin Toffler in the 80s when he sensitized the world to the impending digital and communication revolutions that would transform human societies in profound ways. Well, Toffler's world is here! Google and Wikipedia make it possible for us to access information at our fingertips anywhere and anytime. In a split second you can access information that, in the world gone by, would have taken you hours to days to access; for example taking time off whatever activity you were doing, taking some mode of transport and travelling to a library to take out a book. With the seismic shifts the world has made in accessing information, you could ask: Who still needs a library in the digital age? Are libraries still relevant? After all, Google and Wikipedia have all the information I need. In this article, I shall determine whether the role of information literacy in libraries continues to be relevant in a changing society.

Battles (in Jantz, 2016) asserts "In the library, the reader is wakened from the dream of communion with a single book, startled into recognition of the worlds materiality by the sheer number of bound volumes; by the sound of pages turning; covers rubbing; by the rank smell of books gathered together in vast numbers". This quotation, in essence, challenges the library of the 21st century to redefine itself and its collections, and its user education processes and to reflect on whether to preserve and maintain its colonial traditions or to undertake a critical examination of the library's underlying principal responsibility to its users.

  
Kafka asserts "a writer's life and work are not a gift to mankind; they are its necessity, a book is an axe to break the frozen sea within us".

Writers expose views about social reality. They expose society to discourses they would otherwise not be aware of. They are the translators of the human condition to the public through prose, poetry, stories and analyses. Often their product is considered subversive by power-mongering authorities whose survival is threatened by the truth exposed by writers. 

With the important role of writers as a backdrop, it begs the question: What is the role of information literacy in libraries with regard to communities and society? A library is a place of sanctuary for the products of writers and needs to be informed by intelligence on user preferences and behaviours to remain a sanctuary.

From the perspective of societal development and social justice libraries and archives, including museums across the African continent, are facing interwoven challenges that impact their collections, for example, budget cuts and book donations that do not address societal needs. The relevance of the collections impacts the provision of information at the point of need; including the library as an environment that cultivates epistemic contribution - in forms of materials and collections that are "aspirational, navigational, social, familial, linguistic and resistant" (Yosso,2005). Most library collections are perceived to be colonial and not relevant for the knowledge, understanding, and very often, practical reason applicable to the communities they are intended to serve. How information literacy aligns itself to these imperatives.

In libraries, the concept of "formalism" as referred to by innovation scholars - attest to the preference for rules and procedures and the reluctance to change by libraries. For libraries, these rules provide for guaranteed high-quality service but also lead to institutionalized rigidity and resistance to adapting to the transforming information and digital world. This "formalism" impacts the library to innovate, contribute to scholarship and the advancement of knowledge for societal benefit. The transformative role of information literacy will be tested against the "formalism" analogy.

Venue: Building E8, Room G42 - Dawie du Plessis lecture room

Questions - keynote

Optional excursions