Promoting information literacy skills through web-based instruction The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library experience

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to reflect on The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library's development of its web-based Information Literacy Tutorial and how it was incorporated into the mandatory Student IT Proficiency Test. Design/methodology/approach - The paper outlines the current trends faced by academic libraries in Hong Kong and the need to provide web-based e-learning tutorials on information literacy skills to support diverse ways of learning. It describes the implementation of the web-based tutorial at The Chinese University of Hong Kong as the courseware of the information literacy section in the IT Proficiency Test. Findings - The reference librarian's teaching role is expanding as information literacy instruction becomes increasingly valued by university administrators and faculty. The inclusion of information competencies as a graduation requirement provides opportunities to incorporate information literacy into the curriculum and foster collaboration between faculty and librarians. Originality/value - This paper provides information on Hong Kong academic libraries and is useful for librarians planning to develop an interactive e-learning platform on information literacy.