The impact of components of information literacy on student success in higher education

Abstract

Purpose: Student proficiency in information literacy (IL) is one of key competences for their independence, critical selection of information sources, implementation of new information, and the ethical use of information sources on their way to professional development. The study researched the influence of information literacy on student success in higher education.Methodology/approach: The study is based on a sample of 197 regular undergraduate students, and the results were analyzed by using the multiple regression analysis.Results: The results show that proficiency in searching for information sources positively influences students’ success. Within the component Search, the influence of effective search procedures and the ability to master bibliographic sources on students’ success were measured.Research limitation: The study was limited to four components of IL (Theoretical knowledge, Search, Evaluation and Use of information), and the sample included students of economic and business sciences.Originality/practical implications: It was concluded that information literacy should be an integral part of the ongoing learning process and its effects should be constantly tested and improved.