Access to digital materials on research output: Experience of Federal University Libraries users in northern states of Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined access to digital materials on research output in some selected federal university libraries users in northern Nigeria. To achieve the goals, three objectives guided the study. Quantitative method and survey design were adopted to elicit data from lecturers and ICT librarians using close-ended questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting respondents from each institution. The data collected were analysed descriptively and the results were presented using frequency counts, mean and aggregate mean scores in tables. The findings revealed that access to digital materials influenced research output of library users with particularly to number of journal articles, conference papers presented, books, and chapters in books published. The choice of metadata type is determined by the number of modules such as administrative, technical, and preservation so as to resolve militating technical factors, promote information availability, interactive nature of technology, and portability of digital content. It could be concluded that access to digital materials and use immensely contributed to research output and metadata types, technical factors moderate access, adoption, use and research output in the selected federal universities in northern Nigeria. It is recommended that access and use of digital materials be prioritised for service effectiveness and efficiency on digital platforms supported by the libraries in the zone. Choice of metadata types should be based on possessing modules that support administrative, structural, technical, transformative procedures and preservation.

Keywords: Access; Digital materials; Research output; Experience; Federal University ; Library users; Northern Nigeria