Information literacy and the material objects of the Kente-weaving landscape

Abstract

PURPOSE : This paper aims to examine the ways becoming information literate relates to the material objects in the Kente-weaving landscape. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : An ethnographic research design was adopted wherein data was collected using participant observation and a semi-structured interview with 24 participants through their roles as either master weaver, junior weaver or novice weaver. Thematic analysis through a practice-based approach to information literacy frames the analysis of this study. FINDINGS : Information literacy relates to the material objects in terms of developing the know-how knowledge regarding the Kente-weaving tools used as well as what constitutes the quality of Kente fabrics. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : Information literacy goes beyond having theoretical knowledge of the material objects of an information landscape. It is practical, not merely knowing the names of the material objects and what they are literary used for. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that contributes to the understanding of how information literacy relates to material objects in the craft workplace.