Influence of Computer Literacy on Postgraduates' Use of E-Resources in Nigerian University Libraries

Authors

Daniel Abubakar, University of Jos, Jos. NigeriaFollow
Airen Adetimirin, 2. Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, NigeriaFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 6-18-2015

Abstract

This study investigated how computer literacy predisposes postgraduate students to use e-resources. The survey research design and multi-stage sampling technique were used to select 2726 postgraduate students from 16 Nigerian universities. A questionnaire and computer test was used to collect data and data was analysed using percentages and Pearson’s product moment correlation. The postgraduates’ computer literacy level was average (56.3%). They used only few of the e-resources in their libraries and the frequency of usage was low (weighted average X = 2.45). Computer literacy had positive relationship with postgraduates’ usage of e-resources that was positive, very strong and significant (r= .740; df=2284; p< .05). This shows that the more the postgraduates’ are exposed to computer literacy skills, the better the use of e-resources for their researches. Computer literacy is necessary to influence use of e-resources by the postgraduates’ and therefore, computer literacy programme should be introduced for new entrant postgraduates.