Availability, Accessibility, and Use of Electronic Information Resources for Research by Students in Francis Sulemanu Idachaba Library University of Agriculture, Makurdi

ABSTRACT: The study investigated availability, accessibility and use of electronic information resources for research by students in Francis Sulemanu Idachaba Library University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The study looked at the types of electronic information resources available for research by students, extent of availability, accessibility and utilization of the available electronic information resources for research as well as problems encountered by students while accessing and utilizing the available electronic information resources for research by students. Five (5) objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a survey research design, the population of the study was 7952 registered users (students) of the library. The sample for the study was 381 students registered users of the library who were sampled using simple random sampling technique. Two instruments were used for data collection titled “Checklist on Availability of Electronic Information Resources for Research by Students (CAEIRRS)” and “Accessibility and Utilization of Electronic Information Resources for Research by Students Questionnaire (QUEIRRSQ)” which was validated by two experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach Alpha method and a reliability coefficient of 0.765 was obtained. Data was collected and analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages and means to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that, e-journals, e-newspapers, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), CD-Rom database, e-magazines, e-books, online database, e-research reports, virtual library online, science direct online and Ebscohost reference databases were the types of electronic information resources available for research by students in Francis Sulemanu Idachaba Library. Findings also revealed that, electronic information resources mentioned above were available for research by students to a great extent. Also, it is revealed from the findings that, the extent of accessibility and utilization of the availability electronic information resources for research by students is great. Findings further revealed that, inadequate computers in the library, poor internet connectivity limited subscribed titles, power outages, difficulty to access and use, lack of relevant e-resources in various disciplines as well as no assistance from the library, were the problems encountered by students while accessing and using electronic information resources for research in Francis Sulemanu Idachaba Library University of Agriculture, Makurdi. It was recommended that the University administrators and library management should improve on the bandwidth and enhance the internet connectivity so as to enable the students have easy access to online e-resources. Also, trained personnel should be on ground to assist the students in the use of the available e-resources in the University library and appropriate user education should be organized for students for better use of e-resources in Francis Sulemanu Idachaba Library, university of Agriculture, Makurdi