Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
5-2021
Abstract
Purpose: This study is an attempt to investigate the problems faced by respondents while accessing electronic information resources. The study's specific objectives were to examine the demographic information, to probe the problems faced by the faculty members and to examine the difference of opinion between male and female faculty members regarding problems concerned with the electronic information resource.
Research Design and Methodology: The survey research method was used, and data was collected from the respondents through the structured questionnaire. The stratified sampling technique was used, and 340 faculty members were selected from the total population of 661. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 (SPSS), and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to obtain the results.
Results: The data was collected from the four faculties of the surveyed universities and found that most respondents (34.4%) were from the faculty of social sciences. The lecture comprised the major portion of the sample, while the proportion of male respondents was higher than female respondents. The major problems identified by the faculty members were the low speed of the internet, inadequate IT infrastructure, lack of internet, non-availability of full-text access to most of the e-journals, lack of awareness of e-resources, lack of cooperation of library and computer labs staff and lack of printing facility.
Implications: The results help the university administration frame policies and plan about the procurement and subscription of e-resources. The findings will guide the authorities to organize training for teachers, researchers, and students to increase their awareness about e-resources.
Originality: This is the first study of its kind in Pakistan to investigate the issues and problems encountered by faculty members while accessing electronic information resources.