ABSTRACT
This
study examined the accessibility and use of electronic resources by
undergraduates students using Igbinedion University and Benson Idahosa
University as a case study. The field survey research design was used in this
study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The
population of this study consist of all undergraduate students of Igbinedion
University and Benson Idahosa University. However a sample size of three
hundred (300) undergraduate students in Igbinedion University and Benson
Idahosa University was used. A total of 300 copies of the questionnaire were
distributed and 279 were retrieved and analyzed with simple table percentage.
It was found that; students accessed electronic resources through Electronic
books, Electronic Journal and Electronic magazine; that the purpose of use of
electronic resources by undergraduate students use Internet access in the
library to chat with friends;. However, constant problem of network connection
access and interface to the resources are not user friendly and that the
possible ways of improving access to electronic information resources are
improvement and development of modern ICT facilities and adequate
infrastructure to ensure enabling environment for the use of electronic
information resources facilities The study recommended that: library unit
should organize constant orientation and sensitization of students on the
availability and use of all the electronic resources in the library and
Constant training of student should be done in order to improve their
technology literacy level.
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study
The university as an institution is
generally regarded as a custodian of knowledge where students from different
disciplines acquire knowledge and skills for self development. Acquisition of
knowledge is necessary for greater understanding and participation in community
affairs and to prepare one for future contribution to the society. The
university could be regarded as a preparatory ground for creativity and
independent thinking. According to Oketunji (2005), university contributes
towards the solution of problems and to the gathering, analysis and
interpretation of facts. Generally, therefore, the university environment is a
place where transfer of knowledge and information takes place. The achievements
of the goals of the universities depend to a great extent on the level of
services and resources provided by the university library. The university
Library, which is commonly referred to as the nerve centre of the university is
primarily set up for the achievement of the university’s set goals and objectives
by providing information materials and services which satisfies the information
needs of the entire university community. In other words, apart from the fact
that university libraries provide needed information sources and reading
materials, they at the same time promote teaching, learning and research
functions through other various means such as loan services, interlibrary
lending services and selective dissemination of information.
The introduction of Information
Communication Technology (ICT) facilities in the university libraries has
tremendously enhanced information generation, access, storage and
dissemination. Dissemination of timely and up to date information is made
easier with the advent of these technologies which aid the transmission of electronic
information resources. The increased awareness of the importance of information
in human activities has also necessitated the need for provision of more
diversified, easier and upgrading of the services to meet with the growing
information needs of the users.
Electronic
information resources, interchangeably used in this work with “electronic
resources” are information materials in the library that can only be accessed
electronically, with the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
facilities. Examples of the electronic information resources often consulted by
students include: Internet, CD-ROM databases, online databases, Online Public
Access Catalogues (OPACs), electronic journals, electronic books and digitized
materials. These resources are slowly replacing the use of print media as a
result of their ability to provide one with timely and up-to-date information.
In contemporary library practice, information needs of learners and knowledge
seekers are met through a plethora of information sources especially with
Electronic Information Resources (EIRs) dominating as a result of their ability
to be accessed even remotely. University libraries specifically provide these
resources to cater for the academic needs of the university community.
Students, as part of the university community, are allowed unrestricted access
to these resources. These resources give room for current and up-to-date
information to be accessed easily, timely and remotely without compulsory face
to face contact with the provider as in traditional librarianship.
Nwalo (2012) asserts that, the World Wide Web
and the Internet have created a new mode of universal access whereby
information seekers, by mere click of the mouse on the computer or the button
in other electronic devices can have access to a whole world of information. It
is this greatest exponent of information revolution that is now the main source
and means of retrieval in the world. Thus, Internet search engines are
currently the most used means for searching the Web. However, the main problem
is that the indexing techniques that employ often result in large number of
search hits or result, many of which may not be relevant. In addition, many
users are not skilled at searching techniques and so many find searching on the
Web rather daunting. Search engines are different in speed, size, contents,
ranking schemes and searching options. Some require quotes around phrases and
others do not, some supports the use of Boolean operators in advanced
searching. Therefore, it is imperative to know search engine of your choice in
order to search effectively (Moahi, 2002).
Commenting on the advantages of
electronic resources, Dadzie (2007) writes that electronic resources are
invaluable research tools that complement the print – based resources in a
traditional library setting. Their advantages, according to her include: access
to information that might be restricted to the user due to geographical
location or finances, access to more current information, and provision of
extensive links to additional resources related contents. This rapid emergence
and development of electronic information technologies therefore makes it
possible to envision radically different ways of organizing the collections and
services the library has traditionally provided. While libraries approach a
crisis point in financing collection development, these new technologies offer
possible ways to mitigate costs and revolutionize ways to access information.
Navjyoyi (2007) also finds that speedy publication and availability on the
desktop are the key advantages that attract research scholars.
In recent time, there has been the
need of EIRs in academic libraries to meet up with the objective of their
parent institution. Electronic information resources are invaluable tools for
study, learning and research Togia and Tsigilis (2009). For any academic library
to thrive in this information age, the library irrespective of the size of its
collection must embrace Information Communication Technology. Online dictionary
of library and information science (2004) defines electronic information
resources as materials consisting of data and/or computer program(s) encoded
for reading and manipulation by a computer, such as a CD-Rom drive or remotely
via network such as the internet by use of a peripheral device directly
connected to the computer. Shim et al (2001) defined Electronic information
resources as those resources that users access electronically via a computing
network from inside the library or remote to the library. Electronic resource
as defined by AACR2, (2002) is any work encoded and made available for access
through the use of a computer which includes electronic data available by:
• Remote access:
(electronic resources) refers to the use of electronic resources via computer
networks.
• Direct access
(fixed media): (electronic resources) refers to the use of electronic resources
via carriers (e.g., discs/disks, cassettes, cartridges) designed to be inserted
into a computerized device or its auxiliary equipment. The access to electronic
information resources in academic libraries and among University students is
rapidly increasing as a result of the massive adoption of information
communication technology. Electronic
Information Resources (EIRs) play vital roles in helping libraries in their
quest to support the teaching and learning process at University level and to
provide quality assistance to its users. As an emerging field, Information
technology has been facilitated by providing electronic and internet resources
for fulfilling the day to day academic and research requirements of the
university students (Manoj Kumar, Gauri, and Bimal, 2011). Information
technology has made a profound impact on availability and accessibility of
electronic information resources and to provide a quick and comprehensive
access to resources by using best possible tools and techniques is the ultimate
aim of every library. The application of computers to information processing
has brought several products and services to librarianship as a profession.
Consequently, library services have undergone tremendous changes during these years,
assuming new dimensions influenced by technology-driven applications. Libraries
therefore have Information and Knowledge Management witnessed a great
transformation in recent years both in their collection development and in
their service structures. Thus Libraries are using technology to improve the
acquisition and management of scholarly information to strengthen and speed
access to scholarly information not held locally. Electronic information
resources are important research tools that complement the print-based
resources in a traditional library setting, EIRs are easily accessible in the
remote areas and solve storage problems and control the flow of information
(MuniraNasreen Ansari and Bushra, 2010). Electronic information resources
provide access to information that might be restricted to the user because of
distance (Sabouri, et al 2010). The emergence of electronic resources has cut
the barrier to valuable information resources which until now were difficult to
access especially by scholars in the developing nations of the world.
Commenting on the advantages of electronic information resources to students,
lecturers and researchers, Dadzie (2005) writes that electronic resources are
invaluable research tools that complement the print–based resources that are
available in a traditional library setting. Their advantages, according to her
include: access to information that might be restricted to the user due to
geographical location or finances, access to more current information, and
provision of extensive links to additional resources related contents, they
contain current information because they updated frequently, they offer
advanced search capabilities, they offer flexibility in the storage of the
results, and they enable access to information without the restrictions of time
and location. This rapid emergence and development of electronic information
technologies therefore makes it possible to envision radically different ways
of organizing the collections and services of the library as traditionally
provided.
Availability, accessibility and use
of electronic information resources are indispensable to the teaching, research
and community services activities of academic staff members in the Nigerian university system.
The continued existence and relevance of academics in any university system
depends on the ability to exploit available information resources either in
print or electronic formats. Academics in Nigerian universities require
information to function effectively (Nwalo, 2000; Chukwu, 2005; Oyedun, 2006;
and Adetimirin, 2007). Information and its use are as old as man. Indeed,
without information there cannot be communication. The technology embrace has
led to the proliferation of electronically available information resources.
Popoola (2008) expressed the view that the quality of teaching, research, and
community service of social scientists in any university system depends on
information sources and services. Popoola
(2008) stated further that information availability, accessibility, and use are
essential to the teaching, research, and service activities of social
scientists in the Nigerian university system. Okiki (2011) stressed that
information is the pivot on which the survival of any society rests. According
to him, information remains the major ingredient in taking decision and also
assists in reducing the degree of uncertainty. Electronic information resources
available for use by academic staff includes: the CD-ROM databases, electronic
mails, Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) and Internet facilities. The
Internet which is the most prominent of these sources has made possible, access
to electronic books, electronic journals, various databases and search engines.
All these resources constitute the electronic information resources. Apart from
teaching and community services, academic staff members are expected to publish
quality research output, communicate ideas within the profession, thereby
contributing to the available knowledge base. Recent studies such as those of
Popoola, 2007; 2008 and Okiki 2011 have shown that research productivity plays
a major role in attaining success in the academia as it relates to promotion,
tenure and salary of the academic staff. It has also been reported that the
quality of research output by academics in any university system depends
largely on quality and quantity of information resources at their disposal
(Popoola, 2008). Thus, non-availability and usage of electronic information
resources by lecturers in tertiary institution has great adverse effect not
only to the lecturers but also to the educational system as a whole.
Obviously, the basic aim of
providing electronic information resources by university libraries in Nigeria
is to ensure that students have access to first hand information characterized
by being timely, up to date, easy to access and, even remotely. Electronic
information resources available in a library play a prominent role in
facilitating access to required information by the users in an easy and
expeditious manner. According to Negahban and Talawar (2009) electronic
information resources, in reality have become the backbones of many academic
institutions. They serve as motivating factor to students as they provide them
opportunity to transmit, acquire or download, process and disseminate
information on any subject of interest. They can be used by any user through
online access via networks or authentication methods at any time by comfortably
sitting at home or office. They indeed play significant roles in academic libraries
as they are mostly used for the promotion of academic excellence and research.
Electronic Information Resources open up the possibility of searching multiple
files at one time, a feat accomplished more easily than when using printed
equivalents. Tella, Tella, Ayeni and Omoba (2007) emphasised that electronic
information has many functions and benefits that are capable of positively
influencing the academic performance of both students and researchers in the
university as well as other higher educational institutions. However, it is
imperative that the students should be familiar with the use and exploitation
of the resources for a quicker and more effective usage.
The use of
Electronic Information Resources (EIRs) is necessary for students mainly because
they provide better, faster and easier access to information than information
accessed through print media. Electronic information resources help to expand
access, increase usability and effectiveness and establish new ways for
students to use information to be more productive in their academic activities.
They can be relied upon for timely information which upholds the quote: right
information to the right user at the right time. Furthermore, use of electronic
resources aid the students in keeping abreast with current developments in
their respective subject fields, in contrast with print media which are not
regularly updated.
Though the benefits derived from
using ERs are no longer debatable, some factors such as students’ variables
which in the context of this work include; level of information literacy skill,
attitude towards electronic resources use, computer selfefficacy, gender, and
accessibility could affect the use of electronic information resources.
Undergraduate students are formally engaged in pursuing a course of study in a
university with the aim of obtaining a degree certificate. The use of ERs by
the students can greatly enhance their learning and general academic
performance. Students’ use of ERs also requires that they be information literate.
Information Literacy means knowledge
of one's information concerns and needs, and the ability to identify, locate,
evaluate, organize and effectively create, use and communicate information to
address issues or problems at hand. It is a prerequisite for participating
effectively in the Information Society. Lau (2006) defined information literacy
as information competencies that involve the capacity to identify when
information is needed, and the competence and skill to locate, evaluate and use
information effectively. He further stated that information competencies are
key factors in lifelong learning. Information literacy skill is a very relevant
skill which enables one to conveniently and effectively navigate the vast
information available as a result of information explosion presently being
experienced. Generally, the information literacy skills programmes that take
place in the university libraries ranges from library orientation to user
education. To be information literate means acquiring the skills required to
intelligently and systematically find, interpret, select, evaluate, organize,
and use information for a specific purpose.
Accessibility
of information materials is one of the prerequisites of information
utilization. Resources may be available in the library and even identified
bibliographically as relevant to one’s subject of interest, but the user may
not be able to lay hands on them because of accessibility problems. Ugah (2008)
opined that the more accessible information sources are, the more likely they
are to be used and readers tend to use information sources that require the
least effort to access. Obviously accessibility constraints that could be
experienced in the use of EIR include: inadequate provision of infrastructure,
Internet connection problem, online database subscription problem, library
electronic resources use policy and indifference behaviour of staff towards
assisting users.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Electronic information resources
have indeed become more important for the academic community in accessing
up-to-date information at the right time and in the right form. They enable
students to have access to first hand information characterized by being
timely, current, easy to access and, even from remote places and also open up
the possibility of searching multiple files at a time, a feat accomplished more
easily than when using printed equivalents.
From
researches and past literatures, many authors have tried to write about one
aspect or another on the subject of Electronic information resources in
academic library in Edo State. But not
much has been carried out in the area of availability, accessibility and use of
Electronic information resources by undergraduate students in private
University in Edo State. Although, several studies has dealt on the benefits of
Electronic information resources to students and library services. Almost
nothing is done on the aspect of availability, accessibility and use of
Electronic information resources by undergraduate in Edo State. Based on this,
this study aims to ascertain the availability and accessibility and use of
electronic resources by undergraduate students in private University in Edo
State.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The primary
objective of this study is to examine the availability, accessibility and use
of electronic resources by undergraduates students in selected private
institutions in Edo State.
The specific objectives are to:
1. Find out the electronic resources available to
undergraduate students in private Universities in Edo State.
2. Examine the extent to which electronic resources are been
used by undergraduate students in private Universities in Edo State.
3. To identify the purpose of using electronic resources by
undergraduate students in Universities in Edo State.
4. Find out problems encountered by undergraduate students in
using electronic resources facilities in Universities in Edo State.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions formed the major basis upon
which this study was carried out. They are:
1. What are the electronic resources available to
undergraduate students in private Universities in Edo State?
2. To what extent are electronic resources used by
undergraduate students in private Universities in Edo State?
3. What are the purpose of using electronic resources by
undergraduate students in private Universities in Edo State?
4. What are the problems encountered by undergraduate
students in using electronic resources in private Universities in Edo State?
1.5 Scope of the Study
This research work is
on the availability, accessibility and use of electronic resources by
undergraduates students in private universities. However, the study will be
limited to private universities in Edo State. Other forms of tertiary
institution will be excluded in the study. In addition, only undergraduate
students will be respondents for the study.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study would be
of benefit to undergraduate students, the library management and librarians in
the universities and other academic libraries librarians working in the
Electronic Resources (ERs) sections of libraries, the university management,
educational planners and administrators, the general public, and researchers.
This study would sensitize
undergraduate students on the need to acquire the relevant skills necessary for
effective use of Electronic Resources. The outcome of this study is expected to
bring about enhanced utilization of the libraries’ Electronic Resources by the
undergraduate students thereby leading to improved academic performances and
research output as well as the ability to favourably compete with counterparts
from the developed parts of the world.
Library management and the
librarians in universities and other academic libraries would find this study
very relevant as it would reveal students’ limitations in using the Electronic
Resources available in the libraries. This would enable library management to
correct the problem areas thereby enhancing students’ use of the resources.
Furthermore, the outcome of this study would present the library management and
librarians with practical information on the relationship that exist between undergraduate
students’ variables and their use of libraries’ Electronic Resources, thereby
providing them with strategies to adopt which will positively enhance the
students’ utilization of these resources for general academic purposes. It will
equally widen the knowledge of the library management in the overall management
of the libraries.
Findings of this study will also be
beneficial to university managements by guiding them in the areas of budgeting
and fund allocation to the university library. Other researchers especially in
the field of Library and Information Science who will want to carry out further
researches in this area of study will also find this study very relevant as it
will contribute in solving the problem of dearth of literature in this area and
also enhance discipline specific curriculum resources.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Electronic
Resources: Electronic resources are materials consisting of
data and/or computer program(s) encoded for reading and manipulation by a
computer, such as a CD-Rom drive or remotely via network such as the internet
by use of a peripheral device directly connected to the computer.
Resources: Resources refers to those available materials in the
laboratory for medical which aimed at meeting the need of the students in the
library.
Availability:
Availability of information entails its provision and supply at the right quantity
and time, while its utilisation refers to the practical and adequate use of
resources and materials on information identified and acquired by user for the
purpose as solving problem.
Accessibility: accessibility entails an adequate access information
sources without restrictions or preventions for one reason or the other.
Students: This
refers to a group of people attending school such as universities,
polytechnics, etc, with a view to acquiring knowledge and skills needed to
function in their immediate environment and society at large.
Tertiary:
This
refers to as the third stage, third level and post secondary education in the
higher learning.
Institution:
An
institution is defined as a process of facilitating learning or the acquisition of knowledge,
skills, values, belief and habits.
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