Distance learners’ attitude and use behaviour of electronic information resources at the University of Namibia Library

Abstract

This paper presents findings of the study to determine the predictors of electronic information resources use by distance learners at the University of Namibia (UNAM). The study addressed two research questions: What are the attitude and the behaviour of distance learners towards the usage of electronic information resources at the University of Namibia Library? What factors hinder the use of electronic information resources by distance learners? The study was underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A quantitative approach and a survey design were used. The population consisted of distance learners. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. Survey questionnaire was used to collect data. The quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential and content analysis respectively. Distance learners had positive attitudes towards electronic information resources. However, they did not make much use of electronic information resources subscribed to by the UNAM Library. The findings show that, instead, they tended to rely on print resources for their studies. The study showed that there is still a lot to be done by UNAM Library to increase the usage of electronic information resources for distance learners. The study has implication for institutional ICT infrastructure, skills development, awareness creation and budget decision about electronic resources. It was also expected that the outcome from the study would assist in proffering policy and practical interventions to improve access and use of the electronic information resources especially given the high cost of the resources.

Keywords: Attitude, Behaviour, Distance Learners, Electronic Information Resources, Namibia