Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine academics' awareness and use of online databases subscribed to by university libraries in Delta state. The study's objective was to ascertain the availability of online subscribed databases, the amount to which academics were aware of and used them, as well as the purpose of usage, source of awareness, and issue encountered when using the university library's online subscribed database comprises of the three campuses(Asaba, Oleh and Abraka Campuses). The method of survey research was used, and the instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire. Three hundred and thirty questionnaires (330) were delivered to respondents, with a total of two hundred and twelve (212) duly completed and deemed usable surveys. Tables, frequency distributions, and percentages were used to examine responses. The findings indicated that while the majority of databases are open to the public, the University Library subscribes to only seven (7) internet databases, including Agora, Proquest, Hinari, Oare, Ajor, Sciencedirect, and Ebscohost. This demonstrates that the university library did not subscribe to a large number of online databases, particularly in the sciences, even though several were interdisciplinary. The overwhelming majority of academic staff members use online subscription services for research, modern consciousness, and creating lesson notes. Power outages, slow internet connectivity, limited computers, and librarians' reluctance to promote users are just a few of the difficulties academic staff face when utilizing online subscribed databases. The academic faculty at Delta State University is aware of and makes use of online subscription databases. The University Library should ensure that there are sufficient networked computers connected to the Internet at a high speed. This will result in increased use of internet databases, distribution of full-text materials, and electronic document delivery.