THE USE OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the use of electronic information resources in academic libraries in Katsina State. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of use, the satisfaction derived from the use of electronic information resources and the challenges associated with the use of electronic information resources by the respondents. Quantitative methodology with cross-sectional survey design was employed to elicit data from the respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Two hundred and forty seven (247) respondents were used as sample size for the study from a population of nine thousand one hundred and seventy five (9,175) and were selected through stratified simple random sampling technique. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 20 was used to analyze the data collected. Additionally, descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data with tables to explain. The findings from the study revealed that majority of the respondents were using electronic information resources in their libraries. The findings further revealed that majority of the respondents indicated that they moderately use electronic information resources. Slow Internet connectivity, inadequate computers, inadequate time for searching, and inadequate searching skills by the respondents were the challenges associated with the use of electronic information resources. The study recommends the provision of necessary and modern information and communication technology equipment such as adequate Internet bandwidth, adequate computers as well as the provision of alternative power supply to increase the use of electronic information resources is highly desirable.