UTILIZATION OF DIGITAL LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES BY LIS STUDENTS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY DUTSIN-MA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study is set out to investigate the challenges to the utilisation of digital library resources and services by Library and Information Science (LIS) students, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina-Nigeria. In order to achieve this, three (3) research questions were formulated. A survey method was employed in the conduct of this study while the population comprised 590 library and information science students, FUDMA. A well-structure questionnaire was administered to 40% of 590 which is 236 for data collection. The data collected for the study were presented and analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution tables and simple percentages for the data analysis. It was found that FUDMA Digital Library apps, KOHA Digital management software, online databases (open and closed access), Calibre E-library management software and DSpace were the type of the available Digital Library Resources and services respondents were aware of, and were being utilized by LIS respondents. LIS students search and utilized Digital Library Resources and services through library website, search through OPAC, Institutional Repositories and through FUDMA Digital Library apps. Slow Internet connectivity in the institution, lack of wireless network on campus, lack of computer literacy skills, erratic power supply were the major challenges faced by the respondents in using the FUDMA Digital Library Resources and Services. Hence, the study recommended that the university management should take a leading role to address the issue of power supply and Internet connectivity across the university community and in order to increase the level of utilization of FUDMA Library resources and services, that, the management should organize more sensitization training and workshop on use and customization of FUDMA digital library.