Guiding the information skills according to the competency framework for gra graduate students at Can Tho University: reality and solution

Abstract

In today's digital age, information users not only search, exploit, evaluate and use information resources for research and learning activities, but also participate in the digital environment, create digital products, publish digital information, manage digital information resources, and criticize digital information sources. University libraries are responsible for providing information resources and supporting information users to explore and deepen knowledge, conduct research, study and develop human resources, etc. to meet the needs of society. This study investigates the current situation and guides information skills for graduate students (generally referred to as information users) at Can Tho University; the need and relevance of information skills instruction to help information users develop digital competencies. Based on the digital competencies framework, we propose information skills instruction content to enhance digital competencies for information users. Digital competencies help information users participate actively and proactively in the digital environment. The study surveyed 346 information users who are graduate students, in the years of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The results showed that graduate students were very interested in accessing digital competency development guidance content. They applied it both to their research and learning activities and to their professional activities. They participate in the digital environment in a positive, proactive and useful way for lifelong self-learning.