Search pattern of databases by the undergraduate students of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to assess the awareness and search pattern of databases in order to determine the extent to which user are aware and search for databases by examining the relationship between their Awareness and search patterns of Databases, and their information literacy skills. The
methodology employed for this research include, Cross. Sectional survey research design, Proportionate
stratified random sampling was used as sampling technique for distribution of questionnaire base on %. Yamane formula was used to select a sample size; Data collected from the research questions was analyzed using frequencies table, pie chart and bar chart. The research discovered among others, that the students were not aware of some of the available databases, it was also discovered that the students lack searching skills to access and utilize the databases The findings revealed that lack of awareness, unc lear terminology, network failure and frequent power failure were the major factors hindering respondents from taking advantage and maximize their full potential of using databases . The research concludes that IL is a prerequisite for undergraduate students in Nigerian Universities. In the light of this, it was recommended that the curricula of library and information science should be reviewed or overhauls to  incorporate the teaching of information literacy skills, including providing practical lessons whi ch will
be adequate for the undergraduate students to access and utilize database effectively. More awareness
programmes that publicize existing and new databases subscribed to should be carried out by library management.. The management should provide adequate power supply to the library

Key Words: Search, patterns, Databases, Usage, Undergraduates, Students