Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
9-23-2022
Abstract
The study examined the use of electronic information resources by postgraduate students of Faculty of Education in Imo State University, Owerri Library. Four research questions guided the study. Survey research design was adopted in carrying out this study. The population of the study is 181 postgraduate students of Faculty of Education in Imo State University, Owerri. The sample for the study was 181 postgraduate students. Using census sampling technique, the entire population was adopted as sample for the study. Online questionnaire was used to collect data for this study and was rated using the four-point scale. A total of 135 respondents participated in filling out the questionnaire showing 74.6% return rate. Data collected for the study was analysed using frequency and mean. The findings of the study revealed that e-journals, e-books, e-newspapers, e-conference proceedings, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), CD-ROM databases, e-magazines, electronic databases, online databases, e-theses and dissertations and Internet resources are the types of electronic information resources available for use by postgraduate students in the library studied; postgraduate students use electronic information resources to a low extent in the library studied; access to a wider range of information, faster access to authoritative and reliable information, access to current and up-to-date information, provision of unlimited access to information, hyperlinks to other resources and ease in sharing and duplicating are the benefits derived from using electronic information resources by postgraduate students in the library studied and inadequate funds, poor internet connectivity, lack of ICT skills/knowledge, limited subscribed titles, inadequate power supply, irrelevant EIR in various disciplines, inadequate ICT infrastructure and lack of staff orientation and training are constraints to effective use of electronic information resources by postgraduate students in the library studied. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends among others that university library should sustain the provision of electronic information resources to ensure continuous availability in the library.