Availability, challenges and use of print and electronic resources by students of Auchi Polytechnic in the information age

Abstract

This study ascertained theavailabilities, challenges and use of print and electronic resources by students of Auchi polytechnic in the information age. The study employed a descriptive survey method and questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The population of the study consisted of a focus group made up of total number of six hundred (600) students of Auchi Polytechnic that usedthe library during the period of the study. It was revealed from the study that a majority of the students used the library during examination period. Print resources such as textbooks, past question papers, newspapers and past projects are the most highly used materials in the library by students. A majority of the students preferred electronic information format to print format. However, lack of functional e-library section, the polytechnic library is not automated, erratic power supply, poor network/ Bandwidth problem, e-resources too expensive and Information overload/explosion were given as the problems militating against the use of e-resources by majority of the students. The study concluded that, in spite of the students’ preference for e-resources, it is very expedient to note here that Auchi polytechniclibrary is yet to fully keyed into this new revolution as evidenced by the findings of this study. The study recommended that, the polytechnic management and the library administrators should embark on massive restructuring, revamping and reorganization of the e-library section of the polytechnic to 21^st century standard to enable students have undeniable access to electronic materials that are freely available online.

Keywords: Availability, challenges, print resources, electronic resources, information age, students, polytechnic libraries