Awareness and Use of Electronic Information Resources in Polytechnic Library, Zungeru, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study investigated the awareness and use of electronic information resources in the Polytechnic library Zungeru, Niger State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on four objectives and one hypothesis. Survey research design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of 1,373 full time National Diploma (ND) II and High National Diploma (HND) II students and a sample size of 301 respondents was adopted through random sampling technique. Structured and four rating scale questionnaire' and observation check-list were used as data collection instruments. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that e-books, e-journals, CD-ROM data bases and online e-resources databases were the available electronic information resources in the Polytechnic library Zungeru. The level of awareness of electronic information resources was low, while the mean frequency use of library electronic information resources was on monthly basis. Some of the challenges encountered in the use of electronic information resources include: inadequate awareness of the electronic information resources, irregular power supply and inadequate Internet facilities in the library. The study recommended that electronic information resources such as electronic theses/dissertations should be acquired and made available to students; the library management should use education program to sensitise students more on the availability and usefulness of the electronic information resources to their studies. The library management should also ensure that acquisition policy is tailored towards users’ information needs.