Relationship between information literacy skills and research productivity of researchers in Nigeria, and the mediating role of socio-economic factors

Abstract

Objective. This study investigated the influence of information literacy skills on the research productivity of academic staff in Nigeria, with the mediating role of socioeconomic factors. Methods. Out of a total of 782 academic staff in research institutes in South West Nigeria, 610 responded to a questionnaire survey. Descriptive, correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results. A relationship was found between information literacy skills and research productivity (r=0.56, p<0.05). Socio-economic factors (monthly salary, academic status, age, highest educational qualification, work experience and employment nature) have mediating effects on the relationship between information literacy skills and research productivity. Together, they accounted for 47% of the variance in the research productivity of the respondents. Recommendation. Management of the research institutes should put more effort in increasing the level of information literacy skills, taking into consideration the socioeconomic factors identified.