Competência em informação dos usuários da Biblioteca Pública Professora Elienai Dantas Cartaxo, Parnamirim (RN)

Abstract

Information literacy refers to the skills needed to identify when there is a need for information, to locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information. Therefore, this research aims to identify the information literacy skills of the users of the Public Library Professora Elienai Dantas Cartaxo, located in the municipality of Parnamirim in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in order to verify how these skills can contribute to social awareness and learning. To achieve this goal, the following specific objectives are listed: Conduct a detailed assessment of the search, selection, and use of information skills by the users of the Public Library Professora Elienai Dantas Cartaxo; Analyze how the information literacy of the users influences their level of awareness about the importance of such skills for learning and social development; Propose specific and targeted recommendations to improve the services and resources offered by the Public Library Professora Elienai Dantas Cartaxo, aiming to enhance the information literacy and awareness of users about the importance of these skills for learning and social participation. The methodology used in the research was both qualitative and quantitative, which allowed for a deeper understanding of the information literacy of the users of the mentioned library. The objectives of this study are exploratory and descriptive in nature, as they aim to describe and explore phenomena in depth, more specifically, the phenomena related to information literacy that may exist within public libraries. A bibliographic research was conducted as a technical procedure based on the reading of works by authors who address the mentioned theme. For data collection, a questionnaire with 11 closed questions was applied, which were designed based on the text by Elisabeth Dudziak when the author lists the 07 objectives of information literacy. The study included a questionnaire applied with the participation of 20 respondents, and the results showed that a large part of the users have information literacy skills related to accessing, searching, and using information. Finally, the importance of information literacy is discussed, which is crucial for people to deal with the vast amount of information in everyday life and in the exercise of citizenship. The research, conducted through a questionnaire, revealed that most users have higher education and use the library for studies and work, demonstrating information literacy skills. However, the data reflects that many users may struggle with the vast amount of information available. This reiterates the importance of developing information literacy skills to handle the vast amount of information we are exposed to, suggesting strategies for improving the development of information literacy skills to address the observed gaps.