Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Databases are collection of electronic books, journals and other study materials available through the internet. While some can be accessed free of charge, others are subscribed to by universities before clients can access them online. Consequently, the library Federal University of Technology, Owerri has provided accesses to both online and offline databases. This article explored various databases of the library Postgraduate students were aware of and use. It also identified the challenges hindering its use and made some suggestions on the way forward. Descriptive survey research method was adopted to investigate a total population of 305 Postgraduate Students of Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the research out of which 289 were duly filled and returned for analysis. Findings revealed low usage of the databases subscribed to by the library. The study also identified some challenges hindering effective usage of the databases in the library. It discovered that lack of awareness of the databases, low speed internet connectivity, insufficient computers with internet connectivity and lack of skills in searching the databases. Suggestions were also made on the way forward in combating these challenges.