USE OF INTERNET SEARCH ENGINES BY LECTURERS AND INSTRUCTORS (ACADEMICS) IN OYO STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, LANLATE

Abstract

This Study examined use of Internet Search Engines (ISEs) by academics in Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate. Objectives included: extent of use, which ISEs, relevance, subject areas and search for local information. Survey design was employed, study population was 131, 105 (Female 19(18.1%) and male 86(81.9%) respondents were purposively selected, interviewed and returned questionnaire titled “UISE 1&2”. Collected data were analysed using tables, frequency and percentages. The study revealed that academics used e-mail, ISEs and discussion group preferred Yahoo, Google and Bing, preferred reasons: friendliness, speed of access, quality of items found. 55(52.38%) found results, 80(76.19%) found ISEs easy to use, 90(85.71%) found ISEs useful for academic. Academics used ISEs to search for local information sources. Challenges facing usage of ISEs included: network failure, low information retrieval skills, unstable power and prohibitive cost. Information professionals should be trained, infrastructures for Internet Search Engine and stable power be provided.