Information Literacy Skills And Research Productivity Among Postgraduate Students In Public Universities In Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between information literacy skills and research productivity among postgraduate students in public universities in Cross River State, Nigeria, with specific emphasis on digital literacy skills. A correlational survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 740 postgraduate students from three public universities, from which a sample of 370 students was selected using proportionate stratified and accidental sampling techniques. Data were collected using the “Information Literacy and Research Productivity Questionnaire” (ILRPQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Library and Information Science and Test and Measurement. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha, with coefficients of .78 for digital literacy skills and .78 for research productivity. Data were analysed using simple linear regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The finding revealed a significant positive relationship between digital literacy skills and research productivity (R = .784, R² = .615, adjusted R² = .614, F = 588.399, p < .05). The study concluded that digital literacy skills contribute significantly to postgraduate students’ research productivity. It recommended regular digital literacy training and improved digital research infrastructure, internet access, computer facilities, and technical support in public universities.