Perception and use of open access electronic thesis and dissertations by the undergraduate students of University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the used and perception of open access electronic thesis and dissertation by undergraduate students of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A total of 375 students drawn from 15 faculties that made up the university represent the sample for the study. Survey research was adopted for the study while a questionnaire titled ‘Use and Perception of Open Access Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Questionnaire’ was used for the collection of data. Five research questions were developed and answered. The results revealed that the use of open access electronic thesis and dissertation is very low and most of the respondents demonstrate limited awareness of the availability of the thesis and dissertation for research which negatively its use. Some of the challenges identified with the use of ETDS include lack of awareness of software and hardware for using ETDs, difficulties of access to computer and internet where ETDs can be retrieved, printed and downloaded, discomfort reading text on a computer screen and inadequate skills in using search engine to browse for ETDs online. The study recommends among others that students should acquire more skills in the use of open electronic thesis and dissertations as it is vital source of information research.

Keywords: Electronic Thesis and Dissertations, ETDs, Open Access, Perception, Research, Institutional Repository, Undergraduate, University of Ilorin, Nigeria