ROLE OF DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN FOSTERING INFORMATION LITERACY IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GASHUA, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the role of digital libraries in fostering information literacy in Federal university library Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria. The study sought to find out the role of digital libraries in fostering information literacy in Federal University Library Gashua and determine the challenges affecting digital libraries for enhancing information literacy in Federal University Library, Gashua. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The entire population of the study was 24 librarians from Federal University library Gashua. The questionnaire contained 18 items/ statements. The responses of the librarians were used to answer the research questions. The instrument was structured on 4-point scale. The instruments were face- validated by three experts, two from the Department of Library and Information Science and one from Measurement and Evaluation Unit, Faculty of Education, Federal University, Gashua. Data was collected with the help of two research assistants while the instrument was administered and retrieved within two weeks. The return rate of the administered questionnaire was 100%. Data collected was analyzed using percentages, means and standard deviation to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that contribution to the development of critical thinking skills and information literacy in the digital age, supporting users in navigating and evaluating digital resources among others are the role of digital libraries in fostering information literacy in Federal University Library Gashua. Information Overload, Quality Control, Accessibility, Digital Divide, Digital Preservation, Technological Advancements among others are the challenges affecting digital libraries for enhancing information literacy in Federal University Library, Gashua. The study concluded and recommended among others that the University