Presence of Information Literacy Training (il) in The Ibero-American National Libraries

Abstract

We present a characterization of how the Ibero-American National Libraries (inl) are basing their users training approach on the paradigm of Information Literacy (il). With the aim of providing an accurate picture the phenomenon under study, this research employs a mixed methodology combining triangulation of information obtained from documentary analysis of the scientific literature, content analysis of the Websites of libraries and librarians’ viewpoints. In the context of inl, results show that the development of information literacy practice is very new and the cases highlighted correlate with the implementation of specific projects. There is no evidence that il is fundamental and transversal in this type of libraries, or that they serve as a reference for other types of libraries where it operates, despite its “guiding” function in diverse Ibero-American countries. The findings show the need for greater awareness on the part of the National Libraries of the importance of information literacy training of professionals and users which should strive to provide training focused on competence building. Moreover, the study reveals the need to promote the culture of planning, training and evaluation of information literacy and to design appropriate training proposals on the basis of identified areas of improvement.