Academic Staff Use of Electronic Resources (ER) in Nigerian University Libraries During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period

Authors

Dim Chibuzor Livina (Dr), University of Nigeria NsukkaFollow
Austin Jude Mole (Prof), University Of Nigeria NsukkaFollow

Comments

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Abstract

ABSTARCT

Purpose: This study investigated the Academic staff Use of Electronic Resources (ER) in the Nigerian University of Nigeria Libraries during the Corona Virus (Covid 19) lockdown

Design/ Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a Descriptive survey research design. The total population of study was 3130. A sample size of 313 was selected for the study using the simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The data collected for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The benchmark score for decision on the analysis was the real limits of numbers

Findings: The finding from the study revealed that the Academic staff and the Librarians in the University Library obeyed the Government Lock down and stay at home order. The University Library that used to be a beehive of activities was on lock and key. Result revealed that while on lockdown, the library made provision for online use of its information resources for users. The result also showed good use of Electronic resources (ER) by Academic staff during this Covid 19 period. The academic staff mostly used the Electronic Resources (ER) for writing research papers. Some academic staff were unaware of these resources while other non users accepted to learn how to use it at the least opportunity.

Practical Implication: Based on the finding it has been established that library users including Academic staff had the opportunity of using library resources irrespective of distance during the period of the lock down. This implies that Academic staff does not necessarily need to be at the library building to make use of library resources.

Originality/Value: The findings and recommendations of this study are expected to be beneficial to academic staff, Librarians and administrations, in the Universities in Nigeria specifically in knowing the needs of Academic staff and what they prefer and the challenges they face when searching electronic resources without assistance from specialists .

Keywords: Academic Staff, Use, Electronic Resources, Nigerian Universities, Libraries, Covid 19

Paper Type: Empirical Research