E-Resource Usage of Undergraduate Students at Universityof Peradeniya: A User Survey

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the usage of electronic resources by undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya library (UoP). 384 students in the third and final years were selected as the study sample. The survey research method was adopted for the study and a questionnaire was used as a data collection tool for the study. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data collected. The study revealed that the use of electronic resources by the students in UoP were low. However, they mostly prefer to use print resources, they would prefer to use text-based e-resources as well as audio-visual materials for fulfilling their information needs. HINARI and Oxford Journals are the most preferred databases by students and ‘browse by the title’ is the most preferred search technique. Most of the students preferred to access the e-resources in the library and they perceived that e-resources are helpful for their course work and improve their academic performance. Moreover, the faculties get a high percentage of encouragement to use e-resources through guides and leaflets. Based on the findings the study recommended that the library should organize periodic training on e-resources for students and provides sufficient skills among them for accessing these resources. It is also recommended to provide access to e-resources through the library website while subscribing to more e-journals required for students. Introducing a course in Information Literacy for all students is recommended for enhancing the knowledge for using e-resources.