UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES IN THE LIBRARY BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF BINGHAM UNIVERSITY, KARU

Abstract

This paper assessed the extent of utilization of electronic information resources by undergraduate students of Bingham University Karu in Nasarawa State. The design for the study is descriptive survey which used questionnaire and an observation checklist as the instrument for data collection. The research was carried out using the simple random sampling method. A questionnaire was designed and administered to three hundred and forty (340) students out of which 335 were filled, returned and found usable. The aim of the research is to investigate the available electronic information resources in the library, extent of use of these electronic information resources available in the library and, the challenges hindering the utilization of these electronic information resources available in the library, among others. The study shows that e-journals and e- books on CDs and VCDs, downloaded open access resources, and databases like e-granary and OPAC are the major electronic information resources available in the library. The main purposes for the utilization of the library's information e- resources by undergraduate students were basically for assignments and research works. However, in the cause of accessing and utilizing these resources available in the library, they do encounter challenges like poor knowledge of the library's OPAC, dearth in Internet searching skills and slow Internet connectivity, to mention a few. Proffered strategies amongst others are; orientation/seminar on how to use the library's OPAC and also upgrading the university's Internet bandwidth and/or providing the library with its own Internet facility.