Effect of Information Literacy on Academic Motivation of University Students

The development of information literacy skills and academic motivation is essential for university students, as these factors significantly contribute to their academic success and engagement. This study examined the effect of information literacy skills of university students on their academic motivation. The study utilized a quantitative and correlational approach, involving 300 students from two faculties including Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Sciences from University of Sargodha across 6 academic departments including 3 departments form each faculty. Data were collected using stratified sampling techniques to ensure balanced representation. Questionnaire was developed to collect data from university students that was administered personally by the researchers. The results indicated no significant gender differences in information literacy skills or academic motivation, suggesting that male and female students have similar levels of these skills when provided with equal educational opportunities. However, significant differences in extrinsic motivation were found between faculties, with Social Sciences students exhibiting higher levels of extrinsic motivation compared to their counterparts in the Sciences. A positive relationship was also identified between information literacy skills and both intrinsic and extrinsic academic motivation, highlighting the importance of these skills in enhancing students' overall motivation. It was recommended that standardized information literacy training should be offered to university students to foster student motivation and skill development.