Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre
Department of LIS, National Open University of Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined information literacy and lifelong learning support in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment, with particular focus on the NOUN Benin Study Centre Library. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 1,800 registered library users at the NOUN Benin Study Centre, while data were collected from 81 respondents using a structured questionnaire distributed through online platforms. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the library significantly enhances students' information literacy through targeted initiatives through orientation programs, user education for effective searching, access to electronic databases for research skills, and librarian assistance in evaluating and citing sources. The study also revealed that the library supports lifelong learning through the provision of diverse learning resources and opportunities for self-directed learning. However, challenges such as erratic power supply, poor internet connectivity, inadequate digital skills, and insufficient training opportunities were identified as major barriers affecting effective utilisation of library services. The study further revealed that regular information literacy workshops, improved digital infrastructure, online tutorials and stronger collaboration between librarians and lecturers would enhance students’ information literacy competencies and lifelong learning. The study concludes that the NOUN Benin Study Centre Library plays a significant role in promoting information literacy and lifelong learning within the ODL environment. The study recommends improved technological infrastructure, continuous digital literacy training, and enhanced instructional support services to strengthen students’ lifelong learning capabilities.
How to Cite
(Ambrose et al., 2026)
Ambrose et al. (2026)
Ambrose, S. E., OFODU, P. N., Abubaka, A. A., & Ilemede, A. L. f. (2026). Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre. NOUN Journal of Library & Information Technology, 1(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.20370/kh71-jw56
Smart Eromosele Ambrose, Patricia Ngozi OFODU, Aliyu Ango Abubaka, Abigail Layo-fikayo Ilemede. "Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre." NOUN Journal of Library & Information Technology, vol. 1, no. 1, 2026, pp. 1-22. https://doi.org/10.20370/kh71-jw56.
Smart Eromosele Ambrose, Patricia Ngozi OFODU, Aliyu Ango Abubaka, Abigail Layo-fikayo Ilemede. "Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre." NOUN Journal of Library & Information Technology 1, no. 1 (2026): 1-22. https://doi.org/10.20370/kh71-jw56.
Smart Eromosele Ambrose, Patricia Ngozi OFODU, Aliyu Ango Abubaka, Abigail Layo-fikayo Ilemede, 2026. Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre. NOUN Journal of Library & Information Technology, 1(1), pp.1-22. Available at: https://doi.org/10.20370/kh71-jw56.
Smart Eromosele Ambrose, Patricia Ngozi OFODU, Aliyu Ango Abubaka, Abigail Layo-fikayo Ilemede. Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre. NOUN Journal of Library & Information Technology. 2026;1(1):1-22.
@article{njlit2026648,
author = {Smart Eromosele Ambrose, Patricia Ngozi OFODU, Aliyu Ango Abubaka, Abigail Layo-fikayo Ilemede},
title = {Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre},
journal = {NOUN Journal of Library & Information Technology},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {1-22},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.20370/kh71-jw56},
url = {https://njlit.nou.edu.ng/information-literacy-skills-and-lifelong-learning-support-in-an-open-and-distance-learning-environment-impacts-of-the-noun-benin-study-centre-smart-eromosele-ambrose-patricia-ngozi-ofodu-al/}
}
TY - JOUR AU - Smart Eromosele Ambrose, Patricia Ngozi OFODU, Aliyu Ango Abubaka, Abigail Layo-fikayo Ilemede TI - Information Literacy Skills and Lifelong Learning Support in an Open and Distance Learning Environment: Impacts of the NOUN Benin Study Centre JO - NOUN Journal of Library & Information Technology VL - 1 IS - 1 SP - 1-22 PY - 2026 DO - 10.20370/kh71-jw56 UR - https://njlit.nou.edu.ng/information-literacy-skills-and-lifelong-learning-support-in-an-open-and-distance-learning-environment-impacts-of-the-noun-benin-study-centre-smart-eromosele-ambrose-patricia-ngozi-ofodu-al/ ER -