Use of Print and Electronic Journals by the Academic Community: A Survey at GC University Lahore

The main objectives of this study were to investigate the use of print and electronic journals by the faculty members at GC University Lahore (GCU) and to reveal problems which are faced by the faculty members while using journals at GCU. A quantitative survey method was used and the population of the study was all faculty members of GCU. After a comprehensive review of literature, a questionnaire was designed for data collection. Findings of the study reveal that majority of the participants was aware of the basics of Internet. Most of the respondents had awareness with the usage and utilization of print and electronic journals. Most of the respondents used Internet for exploring journals. Majority of the respondents used electronic journals on daily basis. Most of the faculty members were actively engaged in browsing online journals. In many cases, respondents faced the problem of accessing the required journals. They faced the barrier of accessing back volumes of print journals. Most of the respondents could not get subscription of print journals. Many respondents were unfamiliar with techniques to access e journals. Most of the respondents couldn’t get off campus access of electronic journals. Findings and recommendations of this study can be a helpful source for library practitioners, educationists, organizational heads, HEC Pakistan, planners, policy makers and decision-making bodies for increasing usage of journals by the faculty members of the universities