Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

Date of this Version

7-4-2022

Abstract

ICT has greatly changed how research, teaching and learning is done. In the past, these activities were aided mainly by manual databases consisting of paper or print material records. However, over the period of time this has dramatically changed to digital electronic formats such as portable document format (PDF). The goal of this paper was to examine the use of online databases by Nuclear Scientists of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and review the literature available. A systematic review of 20 articles from 1970 to 2021 was conducted. The review covered studies on both quantitative and qualitative research approaches both locally and abroad. The findings revealed that from the older literature, awareness of the existence of online databases by patrons in their institutions was low. However from the current literature the trend has changed with patrons now been much aware of these online databases. Some problems identified as hindering the access to online databases included low bandwidth speed, and cost of infrastructure which are stumbling blocks especially in developing countries of which Ghana is a part. Recommendations included the provision and expansion of infrastructure, training programmes, information literacy, subscription to current and relevant online databases, conducting regular surveys and funding and financing of electronic resources. It is essential libraries are supported to improve access and usage whiles creating awareness of the numerous benefits that can be gained by research and academic institutions in channelling their energies into having current, available electronic resources for their patrons for teaching, learning and research.

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