Use of Electronic Resources in a Private University in Nigeria: Awareness and Constraints

Abstract

The study examined awareness and constraints in the use of electronic resources by lecturers and students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria. It aimed at justifying the resources expended in the provision of electronic resources in terms of awareness, patronage and factors that may be affecting awareness and use of these electronic resources. The descriptive survey research method was used with a hundred respondents randomly selected from each of the three faculties of the university comprising of both lecturers and students. 291 sets of questionnaire were retrieved out of the 300 distributed. Data gathered was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The findings revealed that though there was a high awareness (70.6%) of the available e-resources, constant power failure (67.6%), slow internet connectivity (56.4%), download delay (52.9%) and unhelpful attitude of library staff (41.2%) were constraints encountered by respondents in the use of the available electronic resources. Recommendations were then made to increase internet bandwidth, provide alternative means of power supply and train library staff on interpersonal communication skills so as to minimize these constraints.

Key Words: Electronic, Resources, Technologies, Library, Services, Information, Communication