Abstract
This study examined the influence of information literacy skills on guidance and
counselling service utilization among librarians and counselling lecturers in Nigerian
public universities. The growing complexity of information environments has made
information literacy an essential competence for effective professional practice and service
engagement. However, limited utilization of counselling services within academic settings
necessitates an investigation into the role of information literacy skills in enhancing such
utilization. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The sample
comprised 300 participants, including librarians and counselling lecturers selected from
Nigerian public universities using appropriate sampling techniques. Data were collected
through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple
regression statistics to address the research questions. Findings revealed a significant
positive relationship between information literacy skills and guidance and counselling
service utilization (r = 0.64, p < 0.05), indicating that higher levels of these skills are
associated with increased use of counselling services. Furthermore, information literacy
skills jointly accounted for 41% of the variance in counselling service utilization (R² =
0.41), with the model being statistically significant (F = 206.35, p < 0.05). In terms of
relative contribution, all components significantly predicted service utilization, with
information access skills contributing the most (β = 0.31), followed by evaluation,
utilization, and ICT skills. The study concludes that information literacy skills are strong
determinants of counselling service utilization. It is therefore recommended that
universities implement targeted training programs to enhance these skills among academic
staff to improve engagement with counselling services
Publication Date: 2026-05-02