The use of electronic information resources for academic research by postgraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Faith Ashinedu Okite-Amughoro; Lefose Makgahlela; Solomon Bopape

doi:10.7553/80-2-1527

Faith Ashinedu Okite-Amughoro PhD student in the Department of Information Studies, University of Kwazulu Natal
Lefose Makgahlela Lecturer for the Programme of Information Studies in the School of Languages and Communication Studies: Department of Media Studies at the University of Limpopo
Solomon Bopape Senior Lecturer for the Programme of Information Studies in the School of Languages and Communication Studies: Department of Media Studies at the University of Limpopo

Keywords: Electronic Information Resources, EIR, electronic databases, academic research, postgraduate students, tertiary institutions, university libraries, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Abstract

This study used a structured questionnaire to investigate the usage of Electronic Information Resources (EIR) for academic research by 150 postgraduate students at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. Interviews with some students and selected individuals at the institution were also conducted. The study looked into whether postgraduate students had access to EIR; whether they knew how to use computers in order to have access to EIR; the extent to which they knew and were aware of EIR; the current status of EIR at their institution; how often they used these resources for academic research purposes; and the challenges that they encountered in using these resources. The findings of the study show that postgraduate students at Delta State University are aware of the existence of EIR, but the optimal use of these resources is hampered by limited access to some EIR due to lack of information searching skills, limited space, low bandwidth and erratic power supply. It is, therefore, recommended that the institution should provide adequate space, enough power supply and should address some of the issues hindering equitable access to these resources. The development of an institutional repository and the use of open access resources will also improve access to scientific and electronic information by postgraduate students at the institution.

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