Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Electronic resources’ availability, accessibility, currency and reliability make distance learners use e-resources for their learning and research activities. This study investigated the use of e-resources in terms of frequency, types of e-resources, purposes of use, and reasons to use by distance learners of the Open University of Sri Lanka. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The total population of the study comprises 26,503 active undergraduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka. The stratified random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 379 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency counts and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that search engines, email, and e-books were the most popular types of e-resources among distance learners, while e-databases, e-thesis and dissertations, and CD/DVDs were the least popular. The study identified that writing assignments, preparing for examinations, and updating knowledge as the main purposes of using e-resources and ease of use, easy access, time-saving, being more informative, and less expensive were the main reasons to use e-resources by distance learners of the Open University of Sri Lanka. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that most distance learners had a positive impression towards electronic resources. E-resources are a good solution for distance learners to access information while effectively managing their time among education, job responsibilities, family commitments and social work. The study highlights the need for learner education programs such as training, practicals, and workshops to enhance distance learners’ information literacy skills.
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Brief biodata
M.M.I.K. Marasinghe is a Senior Assistant Librarian of the Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. She has 07 years of experience in the field of library and information science. Her research interests include library user behavior, bibliometric studies, knowledge management, and statistics.