Digital Literacy and Information Seeking Behaviour in Academic  Libraries: A Study

Mohan Bandaru; B. R. Doraswamy Naick

doi:10.70112/ajist-2026.16.1.4386

Authors

Mohan Bandaru Department of Library and Information Science, University College of Engineering Kakinada, JNT University Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
B. R. Doraswamy Naick Department of Library and Information Science, University College of Engineering Kakinada, JNT University Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70112/ajist-2026.16.1.4386

Keywords:

Digital Literacy , Information-Seeking Behaviour , Academic Libraries , Higher Education , Library Training Programs, Digital Competencies

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between digital literacy and the information-seeking behaviour of students in academic libraries, as well as the importance of digital competencies in education and research. The research involved undergraduate and postgraduate students from North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Data were collected using a Google Form, which was shared with the help of librarians, and participation was entirely voluntary. Using a convenience sampling method, 176 valid responses were collected and analyzed. The analysis shows that respondents are very confident in basic digital skills, including the use of the internet and online communication; however, it also highlights less advanced areas such as coding, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Academic library training programs were perceived positively, but the results indicate that more tailored, user-based, and discipline-specific digital literacy training programs are required. The findings reveal that the majority of participants enrolled in the program to acquire skills and improve their job opportunities, indicating the relevance of these skills to academic performance and future employment. It was also observed that participants showed increasing interest in areas such as AI literacy, internet safety, and awareness of misinformation, reflecting emerging digital issues in academia. Although the National Education Policy 2020 and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) were not directly measured, the research aligns with their vision of creating equitable, technology-enabled education. The results highlight the evolving role of academic libraries as partners in digital empowerment and informed information-seeking behaviour.

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