Utilization Of Electronic Resources Research Articles

HOW TO IMPACT WITH ELECTRONIC RESOURCES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

The utilization of electronic resources (e-resources) has become fundamental to the functioning of academic libraries worldwide. This paper explores the impact of e-resources on academic libraries, focusing on how they enhance research efficiency, accessibility, and knowledge dissemination. The shift from traditional print media to digital platforms has revolutionized information management, access, and retrieval. While e-resources offer significant benefits—such as broader access to global information, real-time updates, and cost-effectiveness—they also present challenges, including issues of digital literacy, infrastructure, and resource overload. This study reviews the advantages and limitations of e-resources in academic libraries and evaluates current trends in e-resource management. Furthermore, it discusses the historical evolution of e-resources in academia and projects future developments in integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into resource management systems.

An Empirical Study on Knowledge, Access and Utilization of Electronic Resources by University Students in Philippines

An Empirical Study on Knowledge, Access and Utilization of Electronic Resources by University Students in Philippines

Impact of a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program on antibiotic utilization and clinical outcomes at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia: a quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT Background This study aims to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) intervention on various metrics. Methods A quasi-experimental study was performed on non-ICU patients for whom a restricted antibiotic was ordered. In September 2020, a prospective audit and feedback was implemented involving infectious disease clinical pharmacists, utilization of electronic resources, and improved documentation. Outcomes included defined daily dose and days of therapy per 100-patient days (DDD/100PD and DOT/100PD) and patient clinical outcomes. Results 402 episodes were evaluated for 167 and 190 unique patients in the pre- and post-intervention phases, respectively. DDD/100PD and DOT/100PD were lower in the post-phase than in the pre-phase (1.75 vs. 2.54 and 16.13 vs. 44.93). Antibiotic de-escalation and clinical cure rates were significantly higher in the post-phase than in the pre-phase (62% vs. 40.6% and 83.5% vs. 65.8%; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Hospital and ICU stays were significantly shorter in the post-phase (14 vs. 22 and 3 vs. 9, respectively; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). In-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates were lower in the post-phase (13% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.037 and 20.5% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion The implemented multidisciplinary ASP intervention was associated with a significant improvement in antibiotic utilization and patient clinical outcomes.

Utilization of electronic resources: an analysis of awareness and perception of users of Kashmir University

PurposeThis paper focuses on the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The main aim is to determine the use of e-resources, users skills in handling e-resources and the purpose of their use. Further, this paper aims to highlight the problems faced by research scholars and post-graduate students in accessing e-resources.Design/methodology/approachThe survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 250 research scholars, both (M.Phil./Ph.D.) and post-graduate students, from different departments of Kashmir University, and the response rate was 80%. Random sample method was used for the selection of respondents and interacting with them. The responses received from the research scholars to 14 questions are presented in the form of tables.FindingsMajor findings of the study reveal that the majority of the students reported using electronic journal resources for various purposes including working on assignments, research proposal writing, literature review writing, research report writing, current awareness and leisurely exploration of ongoing scientific debates through peer-reviewed papers. The challenges encountered in the use of electronic journal resources include a power outage, inadequate bandwidth, slow download speed, inability to access the resources from home, lack of training, lack of awareness, limited access to computers and difficulty in searching. The paper concludes that electronic resources have become an integral part of the information needs of research scholars’ post-graduate students at Kashmir University. Further, it finds that e-resources can be good substitutes for conventional resources, if the access is fast, and more computer terminals are installed to provide fast access to e-resources. Finally, recommendations for improving the use of electronic journal resources are provided.Practical implicationsThe paper restrains the study exclusively to use of e-resources by the research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University and makes some constructive suggestions for the improvement of electronic resources and services. This is the first time an effort has been made to assess the use of electronic resources by post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The study could be used to assess the post-graduate students’ needs for electronic resources at the Kashmir University and other users in higher learning institutions.

Utilisation of Electronic Resources by Undergraduate Students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)

The study that directed this article examined the use of electronic resources by undergraduate students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). A survey-based research design was employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data—the quantitative paradigm being dominant. The population for this study consisted of undergraduate students at the NUST main campus (10 248) registered for the 2016 academic year. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select students from each of the four undergraduate levels of study. A sample size of 385 students was used. A self-developed questionnaire and a structured interview guide were used as data collection instruments. Responses from 274 questionnaires and 12 face-to-face interviews provided the raw data. The study showed that subscribed electronic resources were underutilised due to a lack of awareness. Students had positive attitudes towards electronic resources for academic purposes, research projects and keeping up-to-date. While the vast majority of students were confident in using computers, they lacked the search skills necessary to make full use of electronic resources. Barriers encountered included poor ICT infrastructure and internet connectivity, as well as slow, old, and inadequate computers. The recommendations included the need for improved ICT facilities and internet connectivity, regular information needs-assessment, end-user training, and the vigorous promotion of e-resources.

Use of electronic resources in research and learning in a health sciences library in Ghana: An analysis of awareness and perception of users

University libraries play a critical role by facilitating the use of their electronic resources and facilities available for students’ learning and research activities. Health and medical students and professionals are expected to use the electronic resources provided for their academic and research work. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the acceptance and utilization of electronic resources in research and learning among users of the College of Health Sciences Library of the University of Ghana. The study employed a survey research design along with a quantitative approach to collect data from 128 respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and it was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (SPSS) software. The study found that a majority of the respondents were aware of the electronic resources provided by the library, and they used various types of e-resources such as Google, Wikipedia, ScienceDirect and PubMed electronic sources. Moreover, the study found that the computer literacy skills of users have a positive relationship with the awareness of e-resources. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between gender and the perceived usefulness of the use of e-resources. Last but not the least, the high cost of personal internet data and low internet bandwidth were challenges encountered by most of the respondents when accessing e-resources. The study made the following recommendations, among others, regular training on the use of e-resources, and libraries must collaborate effectively with lecturers to create awareness in the lecture hall and also some of the e-resources should be part of teaching instruction.

User Education Practices on Utilization of Electronic Resources at the Kenya Revenue Authority Library, Nairobi

This paper is slightly adapted from my master’s thesis. It addresses the first objective which was to determine the types of user education practices on the utilization of electronic resources at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) library. The purpose of this paper was to assess how user education practices are planned, organized and implemented at the KRA Library in response to the challenge of orientation, training and instructing users on the use of information sources and services. User education is a life-long process that has no end. While seeking information services of a library, users need education to effectively use library resources, facilities and services. This ensures that users are aware of the available resources and how to access them to support their needs. However, electronic resources in organizations may not be fully utilized as a result of inadequate user education practices. The ultimate goal of librarians and libraries is to educate users to discover their information needs, encourage and motivate them to use library resources and services. The user is the most important component in a library or information system and is the last link or receiver of information in the communication cycle. The descriptive research design was used while both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in this study. The census technique was applied to select the sample size from the study population. The study established that the types of user education programmes practiced at the KRA library include library orientation and bibliographic instruction among others. It recommends for extension of user education programs, frequent user surveys and integration of user education with collaborative library activities.

Information Literacy, an Investigation into Students’ Access and Use of Information in an Academic Institution in Ghana

In modern times, a lot of light has been thrown on Information literacy by empirical studies due to its significant role in facilitating access to information and use as well as lifetime learning. It is one of the main factors responsible for the information explosion and a key determining factor for students’ success in academics. The study gauged students’ attitudes on the IL programmes of the University for Development Studies (UDS) using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study discovered that students did not consider the library as a source of academic knowledge and information since their frequency of visiting was low. The study also showed that 43.1% of the respondents go to the library at least once a week while the majority (56.9%) of the respondents either visited the library once a month or not at all. Early Childhood and Basic Education, Development Education, Social Change Communication and Renewable Natural Resources, are the courses pursued by those who utilized the library every day. Alternatively, no student pursuing B. Ed Business Studies made use of the library daily and 48.6% of them did not enter the library at all. The majority (58%) of the respondents had not been oriented on the use of the library. It was realized that 49.8% were knowledgeable of the fact that electronic resources are available in the library. The remaining (50.2%) did not have any knowledge of electronic resources in the library and were unlikely to make use of them. The utilization of electronic resources also varied according to programmes of study. Students who had comparatively higher access to such resources were pursuing Early Childhood and Basic Education. The study also realized that students’ interest in participating in Information Literacy programmes in the university increased and this increased the quality of their information literacy skills. With their awareness and know-how in information literacy, they can use the internet to retrieve the necessary information for academic work. The study makes some recommendations, Principals and Deans should coordinate to organize more Information Literacy Programmes, increased staff participation in the teaching of the IL Programmes and lastly, implementation of Academic Board pronouncements on the IL Programme. This will go a long way to improve access and enhance the use of information in the university.

ICT literacy skills proficiency and experience on the use of electronic resources amongst undergraduate students in selected Eastern Cape Universities, South Africa

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy proficiency and experiences amongst Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes undergraduate students, on the utilization of electronic resources amongst South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThis research comprised of undergraduate students from the Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes, who registered for a three- or four-year study. The study implemented the stratified random sampling procedure. The study’s sample size was proportionally distributed amongst all the faculties common to both universities. The mixed method was applied in the study. Of the 377 administered copies of the questionnaire, 285 were returned, of which 266 were deemed useable, thereby generating a 70.6% response rate. The results were analysed using the SPSS version 26.FindingsFindings revealed that there is underutilization of electronic resources by the undergraduate respondents due to their low level of ICT proficiency and experience.Originality/valueThis original research article investigated the influence of ICT literacy skills proficiency and experience on the use of electronic resources amongst undergraduate students in selected Eastern Cape Universities, South Africa.

Network Literacy and Utilization of Electronic Resources Among University Students: The Case of Kabarak University, Kenya

Libraries acquire and facilitate access to electronic information resources that support core functions of universities they serve. Despite substantial investments by universities in infrastructures and resources to facilitate access to electronic resources, studies have revealed that these resources are at times not optimally utilized as expected. Network literacy is defined as the knowledge of web-based information resources, ability to effectively use ICT tools to access resources available online, ability to judge the relevance of information retrieved, and capability to use computer-mediated communication tools to manage or utilize the accessed information. The purpose of this study was to assess network literacy and utilization of electronic resources among Kabarak University students in Kenya and consequently provide some insight into usage of networked resources at the university. Objectives of the study entailed assessing users’ awareness of internet applications and utilization of electronic resources; assessing users’ awareness of Social Networking Sites (SNS) and utilization of electronic resources, establishing the levels of user awareness of electronic resources available at Kabarak University, evaluating users’ competencies in using electronic resources and establishing challenges encountered in utilizing electronic resources at Kabarak University. The study was anchored on the Digital Library model that depicts users’ interaction with networked environments, taking into consideration the various systems involved. The study was undertaken at Kabarak University main campus library. Stratified sampling was used to segregate students and librarians whose opinions were also sought on matters covered by the study. Simple random sampling was used to select students for the study while purposive sampling was employed to select resourceful librarians for the research. The study adopted a descriptive research design and used an approach where qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using a set of structured questionnaires that contained open and close ended questions based on objectives that guided the study. The questionnaires were first pilot – tested at Moi University Eldoret Town campus to determine their validity and also subjected to Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test to determine that acceptable internal reliability levels were attained. These questionnaires were then directly issued to the selected respondents. Analysis of the collected data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 23 and thereafter, responses arranged in themes as appropriate. Frequencies and percentage distributions were used to highlight patterns in the data and facilitate interpretation. Among the findings was that students were aware of existence of electronic resources though some of them were not aware of what these electronic resources entailed specifically, and that among the greatest challenges they faced in using the electronic resources were slow internet connectivity speeds and inadequate points of accessing the internet. The study also established that the library relied majorly on orientation to sensitize students on electronic resources. Reinforcement and regularly conducting orientation programmes were recommended as a means of promoting network literacy at the University.

Utilization of Electronic Resources in University Library, UAS Dharwad: A Study

Utilization of Electronic Resources in University Library, UAS Dharwad: A Study

Utilization of Electronic Resources by Engineering College Students in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

Electronic sources like e-books, e-journals, online databases, multimedia information are becoming more popular day by day. The purpose of this study was to know the utilization of electronic resources by the usersof engineering colleges. A total of 200 respondents were selected in the engineering colleges of Kanchipuram district including the teaching faculties and students and 182 filled responds were received. The data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire.

Awareness and Utilization of Electronic Resources among Junior Research Fellows with Special Reference to Christian Medical College &amp; Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Electronic is the electronic depiction of information. This information is available in various forms like e-books, e-journal, e-learning tutors, etc. The study aimed at finding the awareness and utilization of e-resources by the junior research fellows Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore. A questionnaire was distributed to the end- users to collect the data. The distribution was done to the selected samples; collect the sound samples. The study aims to find the awareness about the availability of e-resources. The result as reveal what type of e-resources preferred, what searching engine was used most, problem faced during accessing the e-resources, ranking of the available e-resources and to find the percentage of received e-resources from library services. The analysis also reveals few other data which should help to improve the library services.

Influence of Bachelor of Education Teacher Trainees’ Information Searching Ability on Utilization of E-resources At University of Nairobi Kenya

Utilization of electronic resources is a reading culture that benefits bachelor of education teacher trainees (BEDTTs) by directly exposing the learners to up-to-date and vast subject content in motivating multimedia presentations. The BEDTTs benefits from utilizing e-resources by retrieving information faster than print resources. The BEDTTs use the time saved to do more academic work. The study examined the relationship between information searching ability and utilization of e-resources by BEDTTs. The objective of the study sought to establish the relationship between BEDTTs’ searching ability and utilization of e-resources. The study adopted descriptive research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides and document analysis guides. Stratified random sampling was used to draw a sample of 370 learners. Purposeful sampling method was used to obtain 30 staff who interact with BEDTTs either in class, library or administratively. Validity was ascertained using experts from the department of educational communication. The instrument demonstrated high internal consistency (&gt;.90) using test-retest method. Validity was ascertained using Cronbachs’ alpha coefficient. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides and document analysis guide. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings revealed a significant relationship between BEDTTs’ information searching ability and utilization of e-resources. The findings recommended implementation of embedded information skills lessons from first year to fourth year, joint IL curriculum mapping between lecturers, library staff and information skills librarians, intense marketing of the availability of e-resources to the University community and teaching BEDTTs a wide range of searching techniques. The study recommended a replication of a longitudinal study on influence of information literacy instruction on utilization of e-resources.

User's Attitude towards Electronic Information Resources at CPRI and CIHT, Jalandhar, Punjab

The advancement of technology and its applications have challenged the activities and functioning of libraries and information centres. Libraries have been employing new techniques and applications in the form of electronic resources and services to satisfy the needs of users. It is widely held view that low awareness and poor skills to use technology are the primary reasons of less utilization of electronic resources. This paper is an attempt to study the issues like attitude, usage and satisfaction of electronic information resources of users. A questionnaire based survey was used for data collection. Study reveals that the scientific respondents are overall satisfied with electronic resources. But in the cases of non-scientific respondents, electronic resources are not fully utilized. Lack of awareness and low skill levels are the main constraint to use EIRs. Study also recommended some comprehensive information literacy program that should be conducted to promote awareness and use of electronic information resources among non scientific staff.

Use and Impact of the Modern ICT in Central Library of C.U. Shah Medical College &amp; Hospital, Gujarat, India

The information and communication technology (ICT) has an awesome impact on human life as well as all the stroll of learning circle. The utilization of ICT has turned out to be more noteworthy and swift segment in library and information management and services. Modern advancements in ICTs have portrayed novel methods for information generation, management, and dissemination. Medical students are regularly utilizing ICT for access to the library resources and online databases to satisfy their learning needs. This paper outlines the utilization of ICT by medical students and revealed the effect of modern technology in central library of C.U. Shah Medical College, Surendranagar. Here researchers have tried to describe the need and utilization of different tools and techniques of ICT by medical students. The study was led through an organized close ended questionnaire and it was distributed 172 library users, those were utilized ICT facilities in C.U.Shah Medical College and Hospital campus. From the all, 141 (82%) questionnaires were received and data were analyzed. In this study allied different parameters like the frequency of library visit, Internet access and utilization of electronic resources, attitude of medical students towards ICT, utilization of ICT to access to library resources, impact of ICT on medical learning and research, impact of ICT on library services and level of satisfaction. The study noted that majority of respondents were agreed and believed that ICT is essential for medicinal education and research, and they were utilizing ICTs in the library for various purposes and preferred as a daily and a weekly. The most of the respondents were very positive about the effect of ICT on library uses and its services.

Perception and Utilization of Electronic Resources by Undergraduate Students: The Case of the Federal University of Technology Library, Akure

The research was carried out to assess the perception of the undergraduate students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure on the use of e-resources in the library. A total of 180 undergraduate students were randomly selected from the students who visited the e-resources section of the University within a period of eight months in 2015 (January – August). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents; the data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, Likert type scale and means. The study revealed that the undergraduate students that visited the e-resources unit of the University were relatively young with a mean age of 22 years; male students visited the e-resources more than the female students. The e-resources in FUTA library are mainly used by male students that cut across most of the schools in the University. The major reasons for utilizing the e-resources were for assignment and research purposes. The E-resource frequently used was the e-journals, e-book and e-magazines. Although the students have positive perception of the e-resources, the most significant challenge faced by the students was insufficient computers in the e-library. Based on the findings, the study recommends that female students should be motivated to use the e-resources like their male counterparts. More computers should be provided in the library to cater for the needs of the students.

Perceived Effect of Accessibility and Utilization of Electronic Resources on Productivity of Academic Staff in Selected Nigerian Universities

Access to information is vital for efficient research at universities. Electronic resources provide new platforms for information to aid in conducting research at universities. This study explores the perceived effect of accessibility and utilization of electronic resources on research productivity at Nigerian universities. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study with a survey as research method. Data were collected for the study with a self-reporting questionnaire. Regression analysis in the study revealed that accessibility and use of electronic resources had a significant perceived positive effect on research productivity at the surveyed Nigerian universities. However, there was no significant perceived effect of accessibility and use of electronic resources by discipline on research productivity in the survey. In terms of gender, it was found that there was no significant perceived effect of accessibility and use of electronic resources by gender on research productivity among respondents at the surveyed Nigerian universities. Based on these findings, it is recommended that effective development of digital libraries in Nigerian universities would ameliorate the problems of accessibility and utilization of electronic resources by academic staff in research. Furthermore, the Nigerian university libraries should develop an electronic collection development policy to enhance equitable access and use of electronic resources at Nigerian universities. Policy for sustainable digitization of relevant library materials should be evolved to support digital libraries effectively for efficient accessibility and utilization of electronic resources.

Utilisation of Electronic Resources By Faculty Members in NAAC Accredited Engineering College Libraries in Rayalaseema Region: A Study

Engineering college libraries in India are facing challenges due to budget cut, in-sufficient staff, depreciation of rupee, abrupt hike in conversion of foreign currencies, and growth in the cost of publication. Due to many aspects mentioned above, engineering libraries are facing difficulties to acquire necessary books and periodicals as per the AICTE norms. Electronic resources are making a revolution in engineering college libraries. Many librarians consider that these resources are the best option to support major role in satisfying the user needs of research and development in the field of engineering. This paper discusses about the engineering college libraries, importance and impact of E-Resources on engineering colleges. The paper also explains about E-Resources and the role of E-Journals provided by the INDEST – AICTE consortium.

Accessibility and Utilization of Electronic Information Resources for Research by Academic Staff at Selected Nigerian Universities Between 2005 and 2012

This paper explored the extent of the accessibility and utilization of electronic resources by academic staff at two Nigerian universities: the University of Calabar and the University of Ibadan. A quantitative research method was adopted in the study and a questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The study population comprised 2035 academic staff at the surveyed universities, and a sample size of 586 academics was used in the study. A total of 324 completed copies of the questionnaires were retrieved and used for data analysis representing a response rate of 55.3%. The findings of the study revealed a poor electronic information environment at the surveyed universities. There was no significant influence of demographic variables (discipline, gender, age, education and professional rank) on the accessibility and utilization of electronic resources among respondents in the survey. The paper concluded that an increase in investment in ICT facilities by university management will lead to improvement in electronic information environment at the surveyed universities and recommended that, Nigerian universities should considerably increase their investments in ICT infrastructural facilities to be in line with the emerging digital trend at universities around the world.