Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
This study focused on ascertaining the challenges associated with accessing and utilizing library e-resources by Economics Education students’ in South East NigeriaThe study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Samples were drawn using a purposive sampling technique in selecting four hundred and ninety-two (492) Economics Education students’ from the study area. Data was collected using a validated 4-point Likert rated questionnaire for challenges associated with accessing and utilizing library e-resources (QCAUER) instrument with a reliability coefficient of 0.72. Two research questions and two research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Frequency count and simple Percentage was used to answer the research questions, while Mann Whitney U test was used in testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that, there were a number of challenges that was identified, commonly which include slow internet speed, struggle in finding related information, surplus of information on the Internet, slow speed of the internet affected the speed at which information is retrieved, limited computer system, power outage, lack of ICT skills, insufficient Database in Economics education, Inadequate user ability in manipulating e-resources, expensive internet subscriptions, limited access to e-resources, and poor networking system. Based on the challenges appropriate strategies were suggested to solve the identified, the strategies include an increase in bandwidth, provision of stable power, organize training and workshops on ICT, provide a more user-friendly platform, first-year students should be introduced to computer training, among other strategies. Based on the findings the researchers recommended that government and other non-governmental organization should partner with library management to make cater to these challenges to bring about a sailing experience in the effective use of e-resources.