User Experiences And Perceptions Of Online Information Resources In Libraries: A Case Of Sokoine National Agricultural Library (Snal), Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted at Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL) to find out student experiences and perceptions towards the Internet in meeting their learning needs. A total of one hundred and two (102) students participated in this study. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data for this research was collected through a survey using self administered questionnaires supplemented by observations. Findings showed that most students have a positive attitude towards the Internet and use it for academic purposes. Research also revealed that most students perceive information from Internet as current and easier to retrieve compared to print resources. However, results showed that while students prefer the Internet, its effective use is hampered by several factors including low band width, few internet access points, and lack of skills. The study recommends that users should undergo basic training in Internet searching skills. It is also recommended that information literacy should be incorporated into the university curriculum. Moreover, there should be a deliberate effort to create awareness on the availability of electronic information resources, particularly in the library.

University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 9 (2) 2007: pp. 56-71