Use of electronic resources by students in a premier postgraduate theological university in Ghana

Abstract

The use of e-resources, a prevalent phenomenon in universities, is crucial as it enables the enhancement of academic work (Deng 2010:97). The need arises, therefore for postgraduate students, whose studies focus on the conduct of research, to maximise the use of e-resources in their studies. While some studies in Ghana (Borteye & Dadzie 2015; Kwadzo 2015), Nigeria (Akporhonor & Akpojotor 2016) and Uganda (Okello-Obura 2010), for example, have investigated e-resource utilisation among postgraduate students, e-resource research in postgraduate theological universities, including the very few ones in Ghana, appears to be inadequate. The Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture (ACI), Ghana's premier theological university with a charter to award only postgraduate degrees, provides staff and students with access to various e-resources (to aid teaching, research and learning) through the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH). The consortium enables member academic libraries to harness resources for the provision of adequate information to users Background: Most electronic resource (e-resource) studies have been undertaken in universities because e-resources are crucial in enhancing students' research and learning activities. However, there is a paucity of e-resources research in postgraduate theological universities, particularly in Ghana. This study, therefore, investigated students' level of use of e-resources at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture.

Awareness and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Students of College of Health Sciences in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

“…In a related study on use of electronic information resources among the students and researchers of Faculty of Arts by Thanuskodi (2012), it was revealed that majority of the respondents used electronic resources for various purposes such as writing papers, studying, research purpose, updating knowledge and for examination. In a separate study in Ghana, Akuffo (2019) and Ankrah & Acheampong (2017) revealed that students use electronic resources for research and assignments. However, Daramola (2016) reported low use of electronic resources among undergraduates in the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria while Ajibili (2013), Mawere & Sai (2018) made same conclusion in similar studies conducted in Zimbabwe and Bingham respectively.…”

ICT Literacy Skill and Electronic Resources Utilization Among Lecturers in the Faculty of Education, Oou, Nigeria

“…On the other hand, Mawere and Sai (2018) define electronic resources or sometimes refers to as electronic information resources as the collections of information in electronic or digital format that are accessed on an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, computer, etc. In the Work of Akuffo and Budu (2019), electronic resources is also refers to as electronic information storage systems accessed via electronic systems and computer networks. Electronic resources or electronic information resources is also refers to as any materials or resources that need access either remotely (via the Internet using a personal computer or mainframe or handheld mobile device) or locally (IFLA; 2012).…”

The Use of Technological Gadgets by English Language Students: A Study at University Level in Southern Punjab Pakistan

“…As the utilization of electronic assets is as yet a state of conversation for some researchers, they have concentrated on the benefits and impediments of these assets and how the understudies utilize these assets. Singh2013, Dattatraya andet al 2013, Tlakula andFombad (2017) (Akuffo & Budu 2019, Mehla 2018, Sharma. 2019, Toyo 2017.…”

“…It additionally showed that the degree of mindfulness and preparation in the utilization of these assets is fundamental. A review led by Akuffo & Budu (2019) inspected 33 postgraduate understudies' degree of familiarity with e-assets, how they access and use eassets, the reasons for using e-assets, and the upsides of and challenges in using e-assets. The review showed high mindfulness levels, sufficient PC abilities, various benefits, use of e-assets for scholastic uses, and inadequate pursuit abilities of most understudies because of the absence of preparation.…”