Exploring Information literacy in the workplace : A qualitative study of engineers Using the Sense-Making approach

Information literacy has been of growing concern in the education sector in the past decade. In the workplace, information literacy has been suggested as one of the essential criteria for the workforce. However, managers have limited understanding of what information literacy is and how to put the concept into practical use. In general, managers have attended more narrowly to the need for computer and information technology skills. This paper presents the findings of a research project on how engineers seek and use information to complete their projects. From the data gathered from interviewing eight engineers using Sense-Making approach, seven Information Seeking and Using (ISU) situations were identified; and associated with each ISU situation, a distinctive set of information strategies are noted. The findings provide suggestions on what is and how to promote information literacy in the workplace. The implications for managers in forming information policies and developing in-house information literacy education are explored.