The role of computerisation and automation of school libraries management in teaching information literacy on the example of curriculum unit online library catalogues

摘要

Croatian seventh grade elementary students should be completely qualified to independently browse their school library collection using its online library catalogue. Online library catalogues are an excellent example for a pupil to gradually and consciously use a computer in class to acquire information literacy skills, as described by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz in their Big6 model. The results of a research conducted among elementary school librarians in the Krapina-Zagorje County in December 2012 indicate that only 14 out of 27 libraries (23 of which use Metelwin library automation software and are connected to the Internet) have their own online library catalogues, and only five librarians refresh their online databases every day. Forty-four percent of elementary school libraries do not own a computer intended for students, or have them but they are not connected to the Internet. Seven out of 27 elementary school librarians in Krapina-Zagorje County do not cover the curriculum unit Online Library Catalogues. The research shows a statistically significant positive correlation between having an online school library catalogue and a computer for students in the school library (and its Internet connection) and teaching information literacy on the example of curriculum unit Online Library Catalogues.