Main Article Content
Use of electronic databases by postgraduate students in a university based Faculty of Science and Agriculture
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of electronic databases by postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. The study adopted a
quantitative approach and a survey was conducted. The results of the study
found that while postgraduate students used the electronic databases, a few of the databases were not used. Postgraduate students experienced a number of problems when using the databases. Students became aware of the availability of electronic databases from a variety of sources such as friends, library orientation programmes and academic staff. Search engines were identified as a resource that was very popular with almost all the students. The study revealed that there is a need for improving access to the databases for all campus and off-campus users.
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. The study adopted a
quantitative approach and a survey was conducted. The results of the study
found that while postgraduate students used the electronic databases, a few of the databases were not used. Postgraduate students experienced a number of problems when using the databases. Students became aware of the availability of electronic databases from a variety of sources such as friends, library orientation programmes and academic staff. Search engines were identified as a resource that was very popular with almost all the students. The study revealed that there is a need for improving access to the databases for all campus and off-campus users.
