Marginal use and absolute nonuse of digital library resources and services by faculty members in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

This study sought to explore the reasons for the nonuse of Digital Library Resources and Services (DLRS) by Faculty Members in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The research questions raised were: What are the reasons for the nonuse of DLRS by Faculty Members in ABU and how does the constructs of Perceived Attributes of Innovation Theory (PAIT) explain the experiences of faculty members in ABU on the nonuse of DLRS. A qualitative methodology using a case study research design was adopted using in-depth interview for data collection. Purposive sampling technique was used to select fifteen participants for the study however, twelve recorded voices was found usable for analysis. The findings revealed that lack of communication of DLRS and lack of librarian hospitality were the main reasons for the nonuse of DLRS by faculty members in ABU and also relative advantage and trialability were the main constructs of PAIT that explained the experiences of Faculty Members in ABU on the nonuse of DLRS in ABU. The study therefore concluded that library management should take proactive measures on marketing of DLRS and training users on how to use the DLRS with hospitality so as to achieve a higher level of awareness and increased utilization of DLRS by faculty members in ABU.

Keywords: Digital Library Resources and Service, Nonuse, Faculty members