ICIL-Africa 2024 - 14 October 2024
Scientific Session – Chairperson: Prof. Shawky Salem
Small Theater - 13:30pm – 15:45pm
Meet the Scientific Session Chairperson
Dr. Salem was born in Egypt and has The Egyptian & Canadian nationality.
He is a Fellow & Member of: CILIP; ASIS &T; IITR; FID; IFLA; ASLIB; ASME; ALA & CLA. He obtained Ph. D. in Petroleum Information; M.A. in Uniterm Indexing.
He received the following awards: Fellow of IIS / CILIP 1982; IFLA Medal of Honor at Milan-Italy 2009; Jason Farradane International Award for Distinguished Information Scientists – CILIP, UKEig 2010; International Grant 1991 with IFLA to host annually an Arab Librarian to attend IFLA conference every year; Local Grant 2006 with Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT); and UNESCO -Media & Information Literacy 2023.
He was elected -worldwide- and held the following positions: Member of FID Council 1988 to 2000 (First Arabian from 1895 elected); IFLA Governing Board member 2003 to 2007 (First Arabian from 1927 elected); Professor of IT – LIS Alexandria University 1994- 2002; Supervisor the Central Scientific Library of Alexandria University 1995-2000; Professor and Founder of KMI at Beirut Arab University 2002 – 2008; Chairman of Alex Centre for Multimedia & Libraries (ACML) from 1995; UNESCO Consultant for the project BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA 1991-1992; He is on the Editorial Boards of eight International Journals; and Held Many International posts & International Committees.
He has 26 written books as author or translator, and 482 articles and conference papers in LIS and Library Automation profession.
Title of the 1st Presentation
Information Literacy Beyond the Library: Theorizing Inclusive Pedagogy Informed by Metaliterary (Download the presentation)
Abstract
Our paper will outline practices instructors can use to foster Metaliteracy skills in international and interdisciplinary cohorts of students. We will draw on the Metaliteracy Framework developed by Mackey and Jacobson (Mackey & Jacobson, 2014) and our own case-based research (Schuster & Schuster, 2023; Schuster & Stewart, 2021). Following this, we will present case-based evidence of curricula that fosters Metaliteracy skills. We will discuss a case from a European digital humanities course, and a case from embedded information literacy sessions in a UAE university context. These examples will demonstrate the possibilities of Metaliteracy to bring together data, digital and information literacy skills through a curriculum that encourages reflective and participatory learning. Based on these cases, we will discuss strategies for integrating practice-based work with data analytics and AI with an eye towards outlining methods instructors can adopt to thoughtfully empower students to creatively and strategically use emerging technologies ethically, efficiently, and to their benefit. In linking curriculum design informed by metaliteracy, we will highlight the possibilities to develop digital skills and digital thinking that empower students to confidently and ethically participate in a society experiencing fast-paced technological change.
Author
Dr. Kristine N. Stewart, United Arab Emirates
Biography
Dr. Kristine Stewart is an Associate Professor and the Information Literacy Coordinator at Zayed University.
They are a contributing author and editor for UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Educators and Learners and serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Education for Library and Information Science.
Title of the 2nd Presentation:
Engaged scholarly librarianship: Empowering youth through Information Literacy Instruction in support of everyday life information needs at Khuma (Stilfontein) and Kokosi (Fochville) townships in the North-West Province. (Download the presentation)
Abstract
In the digital age, access to reliable and reputable information is critical for personal and everyday life purposes. With the developments and introduction of various technological tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the ability and skills to locate, access, and evaluate information for meeting various needs has become increasingly pertinent. However, many young people lack appropriate information literacy skills, which can restrict their capacity to meet daily information needs and make informed decisions. Therefore, the study aims to ascertain the role of information literacy instruction in empowering youth to satisfy their everyday life information needs. The youth in the context of this project is referred to as the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, and Training). The study follows a Participative Action Research approach, where data will be conducted using a survey and focus group interviews. This project is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), as part of the Science Shop. A science shop is a facility, frequently affiliated with a specific department of a university or a non-governmental organization (NGO), that provides independent, free, participatory research support in response to civil society concerns and issues. It is anticipated that this study will promote a culture of critical thinking, informed decision making and proficient information use among the youth. Furthermore, the findings can be used to motivate librarians to embed information literacy training widely as part of community engagement practices. Lastly, the study can be used to initiate further research in this phenomenon.
Author 1
Dina Mashiyane, South Africa
Biography
Dina Mokgadi Mashiyane is a Senior manager: Outreach, Projects and Quality at North-West University Library and Information Service.
She is an author and researcher who has published in reputable academic journals and book chapters. She holds a master’s degree in information science from the University of South Africa and is currently pursuing a PhD at the same institution. She was a candidate for the Carnegie CPD Programme’ Enhancing librarians’ ICT skills for research enablement in African universities.
She has presented papers at both local and international conferences. Her research interests include information literacy, social media in libraries, inclusive education, Ubuntu, indigenous knowledge systems and information ethics.
Author 2
Dr Sabelo Chizwina, South Africa
Biography
Sabelo Chizwina holds a Bachelor of Information Science Honors Degree (University of Pretoria), a Masters in Information Science (University of Pretoria), a Masters in Education with specialization in ICT (University of Cape Town), and a Ph.D. in Information Science (University of South Africa). He has held several leadership roles in academic libraries.
Currently, he is employed as a Director responsible for Information and Learning Services at North-West University in South Africa. He has published extensively in academic journals, has several book chapters, and edited two books.
He is a researcher with interests in fields including information literacy, the use of Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning, the use of social media, information systems research, and embedded librarianship.
He is also currently serving in several journal editorial boards and is the Co-General Chair for the International Conference on Information Literacy – Africa (ICIL Africa).
Author 3
Dr Mathew Moyo, South Africa
Biography
Mathew Moyo holds a Masters and Doctoral degrees in Information Science, in addition to graduate qualifications in Knowledge and Information Systems Management and Leadership.
His experience in academia spans more than 25 years. He has worked in various management as well as academic and research roles. Apart from his current role of a Chief Director, Mathew is affiliated to the Social Transformation Research Area where he continuous to make a contribution as a researcher. His work interests are in the areas of Governance and Leadership, Mentorship, Capacity Building, Teamwork, and Strategy, among others. His research interests are in the areas of Information Literacy, Information Behaviour, Research Data Literacy, Knowledge and Information Systems Management, among others.
In his current role as a Chief Director, Mathew is affiliated to a number of professional organisations and boards, including serving as the General Chair of the International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL-Africa), which is a sister conference to the European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL). He has presented papers at national and international conferences and appreciates collaborating with colleagues in similar research interests and area of expertise on both national and international levels.
Title of the 3rd Presentation
The impact of multiple sources of information on the level of concentration among Egyptian university students: an inductive study to reduce the phenomenon of information dispersion (Download the presentation)
"تأثير تعدد مصادر المعلومات على التركيز الذهني لدى طلاب الجامعات المصرية: دراسة استقرائية للحد من ظاهرة التشتت المعلوماتي"
Abstract in English:
The study reviews the effect of multiple sources of information on the mental focus of Egyptian university students. It aims to identify and understand the phenomenon of information overload and develop methodological ways to deal with it better. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher relied on the descriptive analytical research approach through surveying and extrapolating studies and research related to the subject of the study. The researcher used a questionnaire directed at Egyptian university students to identify students’ information behavior and a scale to measure their degree of information dispersion.
Among the findings of the study is that the multiplicity and diversity of information sources, such as the Internet, social media, and other digital sources, can negatively affect students’ mental focus. The study also indicates that students may find it difficult to identify reliable sources and process the vast amount of available information. The study also presented the most important techniques and methods that can be used to improve focus and control information overload, such as organizing time, setting priorities, and using information organization tools.
Among the most important recommendations of the study are: The importance of enhancing critical and analytical reading skills among students, in addition to encouraging them to benefit from reliable, high-quality sources. The study also recommends providing academic and psychological support to students to improve their tolerance of academic pressures and increase their level of concentration and academic performance.
ملخص باللغة العربية:
تستعرض الدراسة تأثير تعدد مصادر المعلومات على التركيز الذهني لدى طلاب الجامعات المصرية، حيث تهدف إلى تحديد وفهم ظاهرة التشتت المعلوماتي ووضع السُبل المنهجية للتعامل معها بشكل أفضل، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة أعتمد الباحث على منهج البحث الوصفي التحليلي من خلال استقصاء واستقراء الدراسات والأبحاث ذات الصلة بموضوع الدراسة، واستخدم الباحث أستبانه موجه لطلاب الجامعات المصرية للتعرف على سلوك الطلاب المعلوماتية ومقياس لقياس درجة التشتت المعلوماتي لديهم.
ومن النتائج التي خلصت إليها الدراسة أن التعدد والتنوع في مصادر المعلومات، مثل الإنترنت ووسائل التواصل الاجتماعي والمصادر الرقمية الأخرى، يمكن أن يؤثر سلبًا على التركيز الذهني للطلاب، كما تشير الدراسة إلى أن الطلاب قد يجدون صعوبة في تحديد المصادر الموثوقة ومعالجة الكم الهائل من المعلومات المتاحة، كما قدمت الدراسة عرضاً لأهم التقنيات والأساليب التي يمكن استخدامها لتحسين التركيز والتحكم في التشتت المعلوماتي، مثل تنظيم الوقت وتحديد الأولويات، واستخدام أدوات تنظيم المعلومات.
ومن أهم التوصيات التي نادت إليها الدراسة؛ أهمية تعزيز مهارات القراءة النقدية والتحليلية بين الطلاب، بالإضافة إلى تشجيعهم على الاستفادة من مصادر موثوقة وذات جودة عالية، كما توصي الدراسة أيضًا بتقديم الدعم الأكاديمي والنفسي للطلاب لتحسين تحمّلهم للضغوطات الدراسية وزيادة مستوى تركيزهم وأدائهم الأكاديمي.
الكلمات المفتاحية: مصادر المعلومات – مصادر المعلومات الرقمية– التشتت المعلوماتي – التركيز الذهني-الأداء الإدراكي- الوعي المعلوماتي.
Author:
Dr. Mohamed Safy, Egypt
Biography:
Mohamed Safy is currently a Lecturer of Information Science at Daraya University, al Minya, Egypt. He is Specialized in information technologies, and have scientific and professional experiences in the field of search engines and information retrieval systems, in addition to integrated automated systems in the management of information institutions, databases, systems analysis and design, and programming. I also have skills in modern teaching methods, and how to build the mentality of a student researcher.
He has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) of Information Science Minya University, al Minya, Egypt, a First-class honors Master of Information Science, and a Bachelor of Information Science.
Currently, he is Information Science Lecturer at Daraya University, al Minya, Egypt. Previously, he has been Teaching information technology courses in the various faculties of the university. He has also been a Consultant to the Director of Library Management. As well as Training the Administrative Staff on electronic archiving and digital transformation. Prior to that, he was assigned as Deputy Director of Academic Registration Management at Daraya University, Egypt
He also was in charge of overseeing daily student registration operations, monitoring academic systems, coordinating class schedules, resolving emergency student issues, and handling related administrative matters. Additionally, providing support to students regarding registration and academic transfers. He was also an Information Specialist at the Egyptian Armed Forces and a specialist of library, information and archives assigned with the task of cataloguing and classifying the collections of the battalion library and its archive.
Title of the 4th Presentation:
Exploring digital competencies among the greying population: a scoping review (Download the presentation)
Abstract
Trends in emerging technologies like the use of chat GPT and AI have given rise to certain requirements necessary for the use and benefits of the technologies. However, certain individuals like the greying population (older adults) find themselves periphery of the technological revolution. Their predicaments are caused by traits like personal fears, unwillingness to use technologies, declining health conditions, disinterest, inability to transfer skills, competencies, absence of knowledge and skills technologies use. All these contribute to a gap referred to as grey digital divide– a term referred to struggles older adults encounter in their digital technologies use. This further exacerbate access to vital information like health, which is already in global crisis and as a result of their non digital inclusivity. For example, the covid pandemic revealed serious setback suffered by most greying population. Leading many to mental health issues with all the enforced isolation from families and inability communicate with them took a toll. Enhancing digital competence can support older adults to apply digital skills and knowledge in practical situations which in turn can improve technology use and inclusiveness in in the present technological era. This study used a scoping review Peer-reviewed articles were selected from: University of Pretoria library database, Information Technology and People, SAGE, BMC Public Health, International Journal of Medical Informatics to name but a few. The literature revealed the need to build digital competencies among greying population through sustainable digital literacy training, transferable skills, design of easy-to-use technologies suitable for older people with both cognitive and physical decline as well as policy their digital inclusion. This study is part of an ongoing project involving literature content analysis and covers grey digital divide, digital literacy, digital inclusion and competencies among the greying population.
Author 1
Dr. Alice Olije Odu, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Biography
Dr Alice Odu is a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Information Science, School of Information Technology, University of Pretoria. She is doing research on Bridging the grey digital divide for the African Centre of Excellence for Information Ethics (ACEIE).
Before joining the department. Dr Alice was an academic librarian at the Federal University Lafia in Nasarawa State in Nigeria where she headed the e-service, reference service and the readers/customer service department of the University Library.
Her research interest include: user information studies, information behaviour using mobile social media, social media in libraries, user information seeking behaviour using mobile technologies, digital divide among users in libraries and other related information and communication technologies in libraries.
Author 2
Dr. Brenda Van Wyk, Senior Lecturer, Research Associate, Pretoria University, South Africa
Biography
Dr Brenda van Wyk (PhD; M.Ed; M.Inf) is currently a senior academic in the EBIT Faculty at the University of Pretoria. Previous positions include the Head of LIS, The IIE and the Dean of Research at the IIE.
She has been responsible for literacy teaching, postgraduate supervisor training and postgraduate support in her current as well as previous positions.
She has a passion for technology-assisted teaching and learning towards digital inclusion and cognitive social justice.
Her research interests include open scholarship, metaliteracy, ABET and information and research ethics. She serves on the steering committee of ACEIE. She was instrumental in the planning implementing open access research repositories. She is the Managing Editor of a DHET accredited journal: the Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (IJTL).
She is the Co-Chair if ICIL-Africa. She has published several manuscripts and articles in academic journals, chapters in books and conference proceedings. She is a research associate with JET Education Services.
Title of the 5th Presentation
Green library to green information literacy (Download the presentation)
Abstract
Access to information has been recognized in the Sustainable Development Goals as a target for the 2030 vision. Facing the today's world, libraries cannot remain neutral. The new challenge is to go one step ahead and to integrate sustainable literacy skills through a socio-environmental concept that defines sustainability literacy as the ability to problem solving, thinking and decision making. as libraries should take over the leadership in teaching sustainability literacy.
Author
Ahmed Ghazi, Egypt
Biography
Mr. Ahmed has a Master Degree in Quality Management. 2014 from the Arab academy for science technology & maritime transport, PQI. Institute.
Thesis Title: The Role of Information Literacy Instruction's Quality in Delivering User Satisfaction
He is currently an Event Organizer where he plans, manages, and executes various types of events for clients in the cultural sector. He is also a Reference librarian to Provide in-person, telephone, and email reference services to library patrons “2006 – Current”.
Previously he worked on Collection Development aiming at Developing and managing library collections; printed and electronic, particularly the united nations, European Union and the OECD collection (2012- 2019). He is also an Instructor giving library instruction sessions, including introductory and subject-specific sessions for the United Nations Electronic Resources (2009- Current)
He worked on developing community partnership in support of outreach activities and represents the organization at meetings to further outreach services (2010- 2016)
He led Youth Projects as a Coordinator targeting youth community, in collaboration with United Nations organizations (2012- 2016). He supervised the Electronic databases team from (2009-2014). He also worked as Arabic Voiceover performer at Bibliotheca Alexandrina Studio
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