Accessibility to Electronic Resources by Students in Higher Learning Institutions in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the accessibility to electronic resources by students in higher learning institutions in Mwanza city. The study was guided by the Utilization Theory. The study employed mixed research approach and convergent parallel research design. The study sampled a total of 390 respondents comprising of 377 students, 8 lecturers, 4 librarians and 1 ICT expert. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select students and lecturers respectively while purposive sampling was used to select librarians and ICT experts. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data. Statistical descriptions and themes were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study found that the infrastructures for electronic learning resources and facilities like computer laboratories and internet infrastructures were not well established to allow students in higher learning institutions access electronic resources. It was further found that students faced challenges such as shortage of computers, electricity and network challenges in accessing electronic resources. It was also found that majority of the students were unable to use computers in accessing electronic stored resources due to lack of computer knowledge base as well as lack of financial capacity to secure electronic devices. Hence, it was concluded that most students in higher learning institutions are unable to access electronic resources due to lack of adequate infrastructure, shortage of computers, electricity and network challenges, lack of computer literacy and financial constraints. The study recommended that collective initiatives should be put in place to make sure that ICT subject is taught from primary schools to higher learning institutions, proper infrastructure are established and students are financially facilitated to enable them secure electronic devices in order to enhance accessibility to electronic resources in higher learning institutions.