Environmental Factors as Correlate of Electronic Database Use among Undergraduates in Federal Universities in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the environmental factors as correlate of electronic database use among undergraduate students in federal universities, in Southwest, Nigeria. The study was descriptive survey research in which relevant data were collected from 475 undergraduates drawn by multistage random sampling across the Departments and Faculties/Colleges of three federal universities: Primary data were obtained through the use of a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Analysis of environmental factors revealed that most of the respondents had a serene environment. Likewise, most of the respondents do not make use of the available electronic databases investigated. Lack of internet access in the classrooms and poor networking were identified as the prevailing environmental factors confronting undergraduates on electronic database use. Pearson Product Moment Coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship (p < 0.05) between environmental factors and electronic database use (r = 0.513). The study concluded that a relationship exists between environmental factors and the use of electronic databases. Therefore, it was recommended that the library management should provide easy access to internet information and increase the time allotted to students for the use of the electronic database.