Students’ accessibility and utilization of electronic information resources in the library: a case study of selected Monotechnics in Oyo State

Abstract

The paper aimed at examining the accessibility and utilization of Electronic Information Resources in selected Monotechnics in Oyo State. The descriptive survey design was adopted and one hundred and fifty (150) students from three Monotechnics in Oyo State were made to respond to the questionnaire used to elicit information on the accessibility and utilization of e-resources for academic and research purposes. The data collected after administering the questionnaire were analysed and interpreted using frequently distribution and percentage. Results show that the major web resources for students’ use include online databases, CD - ROM, document delivery services, electronic bulletin boards and internet. It was also confirmed that cyber restrictions, lack of guidance on use, server problems, slow connectivity and poor computer literacy skills are some of the constraints affecting students’ accessibility and utilization of electronic information resources for academic and research. The study further revealed that journal articles, lecture notes, conference proceedings, abstract materials and literature review are some of the valuable electronic information resources the students explored from the electronic research sources. Based on the se findings, it is recommended that there should be an improved training on computer literacy skill for students to maximally explore the online learning resources. Also, the librarians and information professionals working in the libraries are implored to encourage students towards effective utilization of electronic information resources for academic and research purposes.

Key Words: Students, Accessibility, Utilization, Electronics, Information, Resources, Library.