Information Literacy Competency among UG Student of Select Degree Colleges in Shivamogga City, Karnataka, India: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Information literacy is essential skills to survive in the modern world. Information literacy competency is commonly known as one has ability to identify, evaluate and effectively use for his/her purpose. Due to advent of ICT, significant number of users facing issues to identify required information in large number of information.  In this regard, author conducted a survey to assess the information literacy competency among two degree colleges in Shivamogga, Karnataka, India. Author discovers that significant numbers of students of both colleges are female and all students are active library users, regular ICT and social media users and use the mixed verification strategies. However, problems such as lack of knowledge about information retrieval, limited awareness of available library resources, time constraints, ICT skill gaps, exposure to privacy and security issues, partial or unclear understanding of copyright and fair use, and the admission or possibility of unknowingly sharing fake news all point to the need for targeted training and awareness programmes. Overall, the article highlights about current trends in students information literacy strategy and suggests that both DVS and ATNCC have a promising foundation in students information and digital literacy, but should strengthen systematic instruction in copyright, fair use, advanced search strategies,critical evaluation of online content, and safe social media practices to fully support responsible and effective information use.

Keywords: Information Literacy, Information Literacy Competency, Copy Right, Fake News, Social Media.

DOI: 10.7176/IKM/16-2-02

Publication date: June 30^th 2026