Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2021
Abstract
- Abstract
1.1 Objectives:
The objectives of the study were to investigate the preferred format of journals (print or online) by faculty members working at GC University Lahore, Pakistan, and to explore the reasons to use print and electronic journals by academic faculty.
1.2 Methodology:
Survey method is selected for this study. The target population of this study was the all-academic faculty members of GC University Lahore. They consisted of 400 faculty members. The convenience sampling technique was used. The researchers designed a semi-structured questionnaire as data collection instrument on the basis of extensive literature review. Before conducting the main survey, the instrument (questionnaire) which was approved by field experts was pilot tested to make it reliable and valid. The researchers visited all the departments personally and distributed questionnaires in their offices. Finally, 313 questionnaires were returned with the response rate of 79 percent. Gathered data were analyzed through SPSS software.
1.3 Key Findings:
Findings of the study reveal that a large number of respondents 217 (69.1%) preferred to use electronic journals while only 97 (30.9) respondents preferred to use print. A great number of respondents 236 (76%) preferred to use electronic journals to keep updated on the field followed by 219 (69.8%) who used e-journals to browse current information, 211 (67.2%) to locate and access specific information, 178 (56.7%) used for teaching purpose, 188 (59.9%) for research assignments and the remaining 204 (65%) faculty members used e-journals to recommend the students. A vast majority of respondents 216 (68.7%) recommended for research journals promotion through library webpages followed by 176(56%) through Workshops and 178 (57%) through email alerts.
1.4 Originality/Value:
The study has investigated the preferred format of journals by the faculty members at GC University Lahore, explored the reasons to utilize scholarly journals, and recommendations to effectively utilize journals. Recommendations based on the literature review and findings of the study are guidelines to the competent authorities of the institutes.
Key Words: Reasons to Use Journals, Print Versus Electronic Journals, Journals-Utilization by University Faculty