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

Abstract

This study used a structured questionnaire to investigate the usage of Electronic Information Resources (EIR) for academic research by 150 postgraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. Interviews with some students and selected individuals at the institution were also conducted. The study looked into whether postgraduate students had access to EIR; whether they knew how to use computers in order to have access to EIR; the extent to which they knew and were aware of EIR; the current status of EIR at their institution; how often they used these resources for academic research purposes; and the challenges that they encountered in using these resources. The findings of the study show that postgraduate students at Delta State University are aware of the existence of EIR, but the optimal use of these resources is hampered by limited access to some EIR due to lack of information searching skills, limited space, low bandwidth and erratic power supply. It is, therefore, recommended that the institution should provide adequate space, enough power supply and should address some of the issues hindering equitable access to these resources. The development of an institutional repository and the use of open access resources will also improve access to scientific and electronic information by postgraduate students at the institution. RarelyOften Always 8% 71% 21% http://sajlis.journals.ac.za

The use of electronic resources by undergraduate students at the University of Venda, South Africa

“…The study recommends the introduction of information competency across the curriculum and the introduction of a one-unit course to be taught at all levels. Okite-Amughoro et al (2014) studied the use of ERs for academic research by postgraduate students and revealed that they are aware of the existence of ERs, but the optimal use of them is hampered by limited access due to a lack of information-searching skills, limited space, slow bandwidth and erratic power supply.…”

“…Another observation is that though the literature is rife with the use of ERs in libraries, the focus has mostly been on the use of these resources by academics and postgraduate students. The research method adopted in most of the studies have been quantitative (Dolo-Ndlwana, 2013; Ingutia-Oyieke and Dick, 2010; Okite-Amughoro et al , 2014; Shuling, 2006). This article adopts a qualitative approach to investigate the use of ERs by undergraduate students in a historically disadvantaged university in South Africa to suggest ways in which the use of these resources may be enhanced at this and other universities in South Africa.…”

Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, and Facilitating Conditions as Factors Influencing Smart Phones Use for Mobile Learning by Postgraduate Students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

“…Thus, postgraduate students are required to undergo specialized training in the form of course works, practicals, and research in their areas of interests for the award of higher degrees. In the distant past, postgraduate research in tertiary institutions was dominated by the use of printed materials as primary sources of information (Okite-Amughoro, Makgahlela, & Bopape, 2014). This required the students to be physically present either in the libraries or the classrooms to access information and learn.…”

Marketing and Promotion of E-journal in Academic Libraries in Tanzania

“…Increasingly, these technologies are used to improve subscription and access to electronic journals. Basically, libraries use a substantial amount of their annual budgets on subscriptions to electronic resources which provide many advantages over conventional print journals [2][3]. Findings from a study done in USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Columbia, Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay, Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel show that 71% of their academic institutions subscribe to ejournals.…”