UTILISATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES IN SELECTED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the utilization and management of electronic resources in
selected academic libraries in South-West Nigeria. The study design used was a
descriptive survey. The population of the study comprised librarians in six (6) selected
academic libraries which cut across all the South-Western states in Nigeria. A total
enumeration sampling was applied. A total of 103 of the 105 copies of the questionnaire
were returned and valid for data analysis. The data gathered was subjected to descriptive
statistics i.e. frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results showed that
academic websites, electronic journals, electronic books and full text databases were the
main types of electronic resources accessible at the two selected university libraries
located in South-West, Nigeria. The libraries employed android phones, laptops, smart
phones, portable devices, and smart wristwatches as main electronic resource access
devices. The major strategies for the management of electronic resources are collection
development policies, huge information reservoirs, easy citations, archive and installing
air-conditionals. Collection development policies, air conditioning installation, large
information reservoirs, simple citations, and archiving were the main techniques used to
manage their electronic resources. Lack of access to the internet, poor resource collection,
restricted access to computer terminals, and non-availability of electronic resources are
the main issues with the creation and administration of electronic resources. It was
recommended that university libraries should provide trained staff to assist patrons in
utilizing electronic resources and expand access to diverse electronic materials, including
databases, conference proceedings, and electronic theses, to enhance navigation,
academic productivity, and research opportunities for staff and students.