Awareness and use of reference management tools among lecturers in Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti

Abstract

The study investigated awareness and use of reference management tools among lecturers in Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, Nigeria. Survey research was conducted to determine the awareness and use of reference management tools among lecturers of Ekiti State Polytechnic Isan-Ekiti, Nigeria (EKSPOLY). Its population consists of 43 lecturers. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted to allow the targeted population to participate in this study. The questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that the Open Access Reference Management Tools the respondents were aware of were Zotero (mean=3.60) and Mendeley (mean=2.79) while the Close Access Reference Management Tools were bookends (mean=2.91), paper pile and RefWorks (mean=2.86). There was a moderate level of use of reference management tools as the majority of the respondents used Mendeley (mean=3.51), Zotero (mean=2.35) and Endnote (mean=2.33). The benefits were easiness to download and install (mean=2.12) and generate a bibliography (mean=2.07). The challenges faced were the complexity of the software (mean=2.77), manual use of reference management tools (mean=2.42) and time-consuming (mean=2.05). The study concluded that there is a moderate awareness and level of use of reference management tools among EKSPOLY lecturers despite recognizing their importance, respondents face significant challenges in effectively utilizing these tools. The study therefore recommended that institutions should organize regular training sessions and workshops to enhance lecturers’ proficiency with reference management tools. At the same time, establish a support team to assist lecturers with the installation, setup and troubleshooting of reference management tools when the need arises.