Assessing the Information Literacy Skills of First-Generation College Students

Abstract

Academic libraries, together with their colleges and universities, are increasingly identifying first-generation college students as an underserved population that is likely to experience barriers to library access and usage. Less is known, however, about the information literacy skills of first-generation students, particularly in comparison with their continuing-generation counterparts. This study assessed the information literacy skills of first-generation college students in general education courses at Texas A&M University to inform information literacy instructional efforts and to inform advocacy efforts for developing substantial and sustained information literacy support for first-generation students at that campus. Study results indicate that first-generation students experience significant information literacy gaps in comparison with continuing-generation students at the same institution and in the same courses.