Digital literacy skills and competencies for effective research activities by library and information science postgraduate students in public universities in South-East, Nigeria

This study investigated the digital literacy skills and research competencies required for effective research activities

among library and information science (LIS) postgraduate students in public universities in South-East, Nigeria.

Adopting a descriptive survey research design, the study covered 319 postgraduate LIS students across federal and

state universities in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Data were collected using a validated

questionnaire and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that while

basic digital facilities such as internet access, email applications, and productivity tools were available and used to a

high extent, advanced research tools like reference managers, data analysis software, digital collaboration platforms,

and content creation tools were poorly utilised. Major challenges identified include lack of funding, inadequate ICT

training, inconsistent internet connectivity, low motivation, and limited institutional support. Furthermore, students

showed moderate proficiency in information retrieval and basic digital operations but lacked competence in managing

academic databases, using research support technologies, and adapting to emerging digital environments. The study

concludes that while LIS postgraduate students in public universities in South-East, Nigeria have access to basic digital

tools and possess foundational digital skills, their proficiency in advanced research competencies remains low. The

study recommended integrated digital literacy programmes within LIS curricula; funding and support, awareness and

motivation, 24/7 digital access and policy implementation; ultimately, fostering digital competencies among LIS

students is crucial for enhancing research quality and ensuring readiness for a digital academic landscape.