E-Library and Traditonal Library Resources Usage: A Comparative Study in Nigeria

Abstract

A comparative usage of e-library and traditional resources in Nigerian libraries was examined in this study. A descriptive survey method was adopted and a purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample and the process produced 125 academic, research, and public libraries in Nigeria. A total of 116 cases were finally analysed which represented 92.8% of the total sample. Questionnaire well structured was used to collect data. Finding from the study shows the presence of e-resources in Nigerian libraries as well as the traditional resources. The study further revealed that users have the same value for electronic and print resources usage. Also, it showed that e-resources may not have adverse effect on the use of other library resources as confirmed in the literatures.This development may not be unconnected with the prevailing epileptic Internet situation and electricity with minimal Intranet presence in most of the institutions. Finally, the study showed that most Nigerian libraries still acquire print resources and have not used e-library resources as a replacement. The study suggested that library allocation should be improved for regular acquisition of current print resources which will cater for computer illiterate users.