scholarly journals The use of electronic information resources for academic research by postgraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Author(s):  
Faith Ashinedu Okite-Amughoro ◽  
Lefose Makgahlela ◽  
Solomon Bopape
Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-37
Author(s):  
Faith Okite-Amughoro ◽  
Lefose Makgahlela ◽  
Solomon Bopape

This article reports on a study that explored the challenges of using electronic information resources (EIRs) for academic research by post-graduate students at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Nigeria. The study used a structured questionnaire, distributed to 150 post-graduate students from the faculties of Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts, that is, 50 post-graduate students per faculty, and personal interviews were held with selected individuals within the institution to collect data. The central focus of the study was the post-graduate students’ access to EIRs; the current status of EIRs in their institution; how often they use these resources for academic research purposes; and above all, the challenges that they encounter when using EIRs. The findings showed that post-graduate students’ optimal use of EIRs at DELSU is hampered by limited access to some EIRs due to limited space, low bandwidth, and erratic power supply. It is, therefore, recommended that DELSU should provide adequate space and power supply and should address some of the issues deterring equitable access to EIRs. Development of an institutional repository and use of open access resources would also improve access to scientific and electronic information.


Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kehinde Abayomi Owolabi ◽  
Basirat.Olubukola Diyaolu ◽  
Nurudeen Adeniyi Aderibigbe ◽  
Mudasiru A Yusuf

The advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionised how library resources are made and transmitted to end-users. It has effectively improved the standard of education and research in tertiary institutions worldwide by providing various essential resources, including e-books, journals and databases. However, it has been observed that students still abstain from making the best usage of the digital library, instead using search engines rather than institutional digital libraries. This study investigated the factors influencing the behavioural intention of postgraduate (PG) students to use electronic information resources (EIRs). The Unified Theory of Acceptance of Technology (UTAUT) model was adopted. A cross-sectional research design was used to assess the factors influencing the use of EIRs. A sample of 362 PG students was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation approach. Data were collected from participants via the administration of 400 copies of the questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and the Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) were used to analyse data collected. The findings revealed that performance expectancy (PE) and effort expectancy (EE) were the two constructs that influenced PG students’ behavioural intention to use EIRs. In contrast, social influence (SI) and facilitating condition (FC) did not change the PG students’ behavioural plan to use EIRs. The study recommended the need for adequate training for postgraduate (PG) students on the obligation to accept and use EIRs.


2014 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Buck Kachaluba ◽  
Jessica Evans Brady ◽  
Jessica Critten

This article is based on quantitative and qualitative research examining humanities scholars’ understandings of the advantages and disadvantages of print versus electronic information resources. It explores how humanities’ faculty members at Florida State University (FSU) use print and electronic resources, as well as how they perceive these different formats. It was carried out with the goal of assisting the authors and other librarians in choosing between electronic and print formats when performing collection development responsibilities.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha Ondieki Makori

Purpose – To purpose of this paper is to evaluate micro-factors influencing use of electronic information resources among postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning in Kenya, and suggest strategies to enhance and improve the utilization of these vital sources in the university learning environments. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses document or desk review analysis, professional opinions and ideas and case examples regarding utilization of electronic information resources. Findings – The study indicates how practices such as information literacy and learning skills, consultative or partnership meetings, use of portable brochures and guides, research, teaching and learning approaches, seminar and workshop trainings, public relations and attitudes influence the use of electronic information resources. Among the strategic measures that are instrumental for effective utilization of these vital knowledge resources, it is the ability to provide tailor-made programmes targeting postgraduate students and reaching out or going to where the students are through regular meetings and social media advertisements and announcements. limitations/implications – This study is confined to postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning inclusively using document review guides and case examples of utilization and non-utilization of electronic resources. Practical implications – Possible strategies and solutions that enhance and improve use of electronic information resources among the postgraduate students include the need to integrate the use of information communication technology in research, teaching, learning and community services of the university, provision of compulsory literacy programmes to the students and regular partnership meetings with the faculty members, librarians and postgraduate fraternity. Social implications – Widespread use of electronic information resources in universities is proof enough that the libraries are proactively involved in advancement and creation of knowledge among the postgraduate students. One critical aspect of electronic information resources is the ability to facilitate return on investment if only the materials are effectively and efficiently used in supporting the goals and objectives of libraries and universities. These result in higher customer satisfaction, and better return on investment, leading to increased use of information services in the universities. Originality/value – Institutions of higher learning including libraries and universities are in a new dispensation of modernity and post-modernity increasingly dependent on electronic or digital information systems. In the modern knowledge and learning environment, information professionals, postgraduate students and other stakeholders need to agree to the simple rule that electronic information resources are the backbone of academic services in universities perhaps more than ever before. In the academic and educational quest in universities, electronic information resources fundamentally supplements print materials because most universities lack the necessary technological infrastructure.


2018 ◽  
pp. 209-222
Author(s):  
Rajeshkumar M. Gamit

This research study aims to investigate the usage of electronic information resources by postgraduates‟ students of Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Using the research is survey method approach, the simple random sampling was used to selected responded from among the postgraduate students from 200 to 500 all types of users that came to use the library within the study period. The research tool used for data collection was a questionnaire tagged ‟Usage of Electronic information resources”. A total of 240 questionnaires were distributed of which 172 were duly filled giving a response rate of 71.66%. The finding revealed that 89.54% of the respondents had use of electronic information resources; with 10.46% respondents are not use of electronic information resources. The main access points were home/hostels; only 19.76% of respondents had used the library to access electronic information resources and 80.24% of them were satisfied with the library electronic information resources. The major electronic information resources are used by postgraduate students were internet search engines, e-lecture notes and e-books and they use it for completing class assignments, to obtain course related materials. Training of postgraduate students in electronic information resources searching skill by the library; the provision of internet and networked computers in department and lecturers giving assignment that require use of electronic information resources would increase the use of electronic information resources among the postgraduate students.


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