The Role of Academic Libraries in Promoting Agricultural Information Literacy among Vocational Agriculture Students: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67245/locana.v1i1.22Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to examine the role of academic libraries in promoting agricultural information literacy among vocational agriculture students. The study addresses the growing importance of information literacy in agricultural education, particularly in response to technological advancement, information digitalization, and the increasing need for evidence-based decision-making in the agricultural sector.
Design/methods/approach – This study employs a library research approach using a literature review method. Data were collected from relevant scholarly publications related to academic libraries, information literacy, agricultural education, and vocational students’ information needs. The collected literature was analyzed through thematic analysis and literature synthesis to identify major patterns, strategies, challenges, and opportunities.
Findings – The findings show that academic libraries play a strategic role in developing agricultural information literacy through library instruction, information literacy training, embedded librarian programs, collaboration with educators, and the use of digital technologies. The review also indicates that vocational agriculture students have diverse information needs, including academic, technical, professional, and digital information, which require adequate and relevant library support services.
Research implications/limitations – This study is limited to a literature-based analysis and does not include primary data from vocational agriculture students, librarians, or educators. Future research is recommended to conduct empirical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of library-based information literacy programs in vocational agricultural education.
Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by highlighting academic libraries as key partners in strengthening agricultural information literacy and supporting students’ academic success and professional readiness.
References
Abdullahi, A., Amao, M. A., Abubakar, U., & Ibrahim, M. M. (2024). Information Literacy Skills of Librarians and Service Delivery in the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Analysis. African Journal of Humanities and Contemporary Education Research, 15(1), 390–398. https://doi.org/10.62154/twqmk778
Afrianto, W. F., Wati, S. I., Putra, R. P., & Hidayatullah, T. (2022). Empowerment of Farmers Through the Online Extension in Improving Agricultural Information Literacy. Jurnal Pengabdian Magister Pendidikan IPA, 5(2), 374–378. https://doi.org/10.29303/jpmpi.v5i2.1637
Ajiboye, B. A., Onifade, F. N., Ogunlana, E. K., & Oladeinde, A. A. (2022). Information Literacy and Research Skills Programme for Postgraduate Students: The First-Hand Experience of a Federal University of Agriculture in Nigeria. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science, 32(1), 97–108. https://doi.org/10.4314/6p416089
Ali, N., Shoaib, M., & Abdullah, F. (2023). Information literacy and research support services in academic libraries: A bibliometric analysis from 2001 to 2020. Journal of Information Science, 49(6), 1593–1606. https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515211068169
Ashiq, M., Hira, A., & Saeed, A. (2025). The relationship between information literacy and academic performance: A meta-analysis study. Performance Measurement and Metrics, 27(1), 81–97. https://doi.org/10.1108/PMM-04-2025-0020
Bouaamri, A., & Otike, F. (2025). Integration of Critical Information Literacy Skills in Academic Libraries in Africa. Open Information Science, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/opis-2025-0020
Caffrey, C., Lee, H., Withorn, T., Clarke, M., Castañeda, A., Macomber, K., Jackson, K. M., Eslami, J., Haas, A., Philo, T., Galoozis, E., Vermeer, W., Andora, A., & Kohn, K. P. (2022). Library instruction and information literacy 2021. Reference Services Review, 50(3–4), 271–355. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-09-2022-0035
DaLomba, E., Kavanaugh, E., Manbeck, K., O’Neill, S., Soldevilla, K., Watson, M., & McLaughlin, E. (2020). The Use of an Embedded Librarian to Enhance Student Information Literacy Skills: A Pilot Study. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education (JOTE), 4(2). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2020.040204
Dilrukshi, W. P. T., & Wickramasooriya, H. (2026). Patterns of Information Seeking and User Needs of Agricultural Scientists: A Case Study Based on Major Research Institutes in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Sector. Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, 29(1). https://doi.org/10.4038/jula.v29i1.8114
Du, Y., Feng, H., Zhang, Q., & Zheng, S. (2025). Influence of Information Literacy on Farmers’ Green Production Technology Adoption Behavior: The Moderating Role of Risk Attitude. Agriculture, 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15070701
Gebeyehu, H. Z., & Jira, Y. S. (2024). An assessment of information seeking behavior of agricultural agents to retrieve need-based information in Sidama regional state of Ethiopia. Heliyon, 10(7). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28540
Grabowsky, A., & Weisbrod, L. (2020). The Effectiveness of Library Instruction for Graduate/Professional Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 15(2), 100–137. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip29657
Gudeta, A., Lemma, T., & Ndemo, E. (2021). Information Needs and Information Seeking Behavior of Agricultural Researchers of Fadis and Mechara Agricultural Research Centers, Ethiopia. https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=3874806
Harkness, S. J., Rusk, F. A., & Rubio, R. (2021). Using an Embedded Librarian Model to Increase Information Literacy in Political Science Research Methods. Journal of Political Science Education, 17(3), 385–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/15512169.2019.1667810
Jalali, A., Bagheri, A., Allahyari, M. S., Aghjehgheshlagh, F. M., Surjulal, J., & Michailidis, A. (2020). Information needs and information seeking behaviour of dairy farm managers. International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 6(2), 107–122. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSAMI.2020.108359
Jing, Q., Panyadee, C., Kaewtip, S., & Yossuck, P. (2024). The Level of Information Literacy and its Influencing Factors of Agricultural Students in Higher Education of Yunnan, China. วารสารผลิตกรรมการเกษตร, 6(3), 30–38.
Johnston, N., Yerbury, H., & Henninger, M. (2026). Academic Librarians and Information Literacy Practice in an Age of Mis/Disinformation. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 75(2), 321–339. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2026.2648061
Jones, W. L., & Mastrorilli, T. (2022). Assessing the Impact of an Information Literacy Course on Students’ Academic Achievement: A Mixed-Methods Study. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 17(2), 61–87. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip30090
Kumar, D., & Devi, J. (2020). Farmers’ Perspective on Agricultural Information Literacy: A Case Study of Jind District, India. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-Journal). https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/libphilprac/3836
Mbagwu, F. C., Lyaka, M., Kiwelu, J. E., Nyantakyi-Baah, L., & Holmner, M. A. (2020). Achieving sustainable development goals two and three: Role of academic libraries. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/80588
Merga, M. K., & Mat Roni, S. (2025). School Library Professionals’ Perceptions of Students’ Digital Information Literacy. Journal of Library Administration, 65(4), 397–411. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2025.2475701
Moin Ud Din, G., Mairaj, M. I., & Sheikh, A. (2022). Information literacy instruction in university libraries of Islamabad, Pakistan: A study of librarians’ perceptions, practices, barriers, and strategies. The Electronic Library, 40(6), 698–711. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-10-2021-0193
Mughari, S., Naveed, M. A., & Rafique, G. M. (2024). Information literate students are more engaged and successful: Role of information literacy in higher education. Online Information Review, 49(2), 418–437. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-09-2023-0478
Muid, M. A. (2026). Information Literacy Skills of Students in Pesantren Environments: A SCONUL Seven Pillars Analysis in Language Learning Contexts. Literaturia: Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Language Teaching, 1(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.38073/literaturia.v1i1.4649
Nichols Hess, A. (2020). Academic Librarians’ Teaching Identities and Work Experiences: Exploring Relationships to Support Perspective Transformation in Information Literacy Instruction. Journal of Library Administration, 60(4), 331–353. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2020.1721939
Obi, B. B., & Oladokun, B. (2023). Security Measures in Meeting Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of Agricultural Science Students in Nigerian Universities. Southern African Journal of Security, 1, 12-pages-12 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/3005-4222/14383
Ogbuagu, O. P., Paul, O., Onyenachi, J. C., & Ezenwa, E. N. (2022). Online Information Searching and Evaluation Skills of Postgraduate Students of Library and Information Science in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Lagos Journal of Library and Information Science, 11(1 and 2), 230–242.
Parmar, S., & Pateria, R. K. (2020). Digital information literacy competencies among pg students of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar: A study. International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology, 10(2), 88–93.
Rath, L. (2022). Factors that influence librarian definitions of information literacy. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(6), 102597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2022.102597
Rathod M. S., G. (2025). Challenges and Barriers to Implementing Information Literacy Programs in Higher Education: A Study of Karnataka’s Academic Institutions. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5581192
Salauddin, N. (2024). An investigation into the unveiling of information-seeking anxiety among agriculture university library users. Collection and Curation, 43(4), 129–140. https://doi.org/10.1108/CC-11-2023-0037
Samim, A. W., Kumar, P., & Kaur, P. (2020). Information Seeking Behaviour of Post Graduate Students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development, 15(2), 413–419.
Shi, Y., Peng, F., & Sun, F. (2022). A Blended Learning Model Based on Smart Learning Environment to Improve College Students’ Information Literacy. IEEE Access, 10, 89485–89498. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3201105
Sun, C., Liu, J., Razmerita, L., Xu, Y., & Qi, J. (2022). Higher Education to Support Sustainable Development: The Influence of Information Literacy and Online Learning Process on Chinese Postgraduates’ Innovation Performance. Sustainability, 14(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137789
Tian, X., Sun, R. Y., & Li, Z. H. (2023). EFFECTS OF INFORMATION LITERACY ON FARMERS’ TRANSITION TO GREEN PRODUCTION. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 21(4), 3445–3463. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/2104_34453463
Wann, T., Khongtim, J., & Chyne, R. C. (2024). Assessing the impact of information literacy on farmers’ decision-making processes: A mixed-methods approach. IFLA Journal, 50(3), 463–478. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352241261730
Withorn, T., Messer Kimmitt, J., Caffrey, C., Andora, A., Springfield, C., Ospina, D., Clarke, M., Martinez, G., Castañeda, A., Haas, A., & Vermeer, W. (2020). Library instruction and information literacy 2019. Reference Services Review, 48(4), 601–682. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-08-2020-0057
Zhao, S., Luo, R., Sabina, C., & Pillon, K. (2023). The Effect of Information Literacy Training on Graduate Students’ Ability to Use Library Resources. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.84.1.7
Zhaoxia, M., & คำเจริญ, น. (2025). Development of educational information literacy of vocational students at Guangxi Vocational University of agriculture in China. วิทยาการบริหารภาครัฐสมัยใหม่, 2(5), 264–275.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Adi Sucipto, Muhamad Abdul Muid, Moh. Azharul Kholili

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.