Investigating the Information Literacy among Librarians of public Libraries in Khuzestan Province in order to identify their potential Strengths or Weaknesses in this Field

The present research studies the level of information literacy among librarians of public libraries in Khuzestan province with the purpose of identifying their potential strengths and weaknesses. The statistical population in this study includes all librarians of public libraries in Khuzestan province. To collect information, a questionnaire made by the researcher was used which was composed of 44 questions. The research was performed by survey method and the obtained data was analyzed via SPSS software and descriptive statistics. Results of the study showed that, most of the statistical population under study is composed of women, the persons with the age under 35 years old, and technicians. The findings indicate that the mentioned librarians are at desirable level in following skills: correct understanding of their information needs; the ability of combining new information with previous knowledge and generating new knowledge; evaluating the result of search process with regard to satisfying their information needs; and level of commitment to copyright and to legal and social limitations for making use of information. On the other hand, they are at medium level in following skills: information search strategies in printed form; creative and suitable use of the technology with the aim of creating novel productions and functions; organizing as well as making notes in concise form from information resources and documents; and determining and identifying the main points existing in the information. Additionally, the librarians under study are at undesirable level in following skills: information search strategies in electronic format; taking advantage of online and offline information databases; making use of facilities and characteristics of search engines, discussion groups, and news groups in internet; referencing printed and electronic resources; design and selection of the most appropriate and effective method for access to information; and determining the level of consulting with other librarians and subject specialists in information retrieval. Research findings also indicate that, information literacy of mentioned librarians is not in suitable and desirable conditions. Finally, several suggestions have been made to improve the existing status.