1.1 Introduction
Electronic information resources are information resources provided in electronic form, and these include resources available on the Internet such as e-books e-journals, online database, CD-ROM databases and other computer –based electronic networks, among others (Tsakonas et al. 2006). Library automation has greatly influenced the way information is being used. Libraries and information centres are becoming more attractive as a result of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) that have broken every barrier that hinders access to information. Electronic information resources are information materials in the library that can only be accessed electronically, with the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities (Ukachi, 2013).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Electronic information resources have become a major part of the University libraries collection in the fulfillment of its role of teaching, learning and research. Whitmire (2001) posited that the use of electronic resources is influenced by students’ use of the library. The more a student uses the library the more familiar he becomes with its resources including its electronic resources. Electronic information has gradually become a major resource in every university library (Shuling, 2007). Electronic information resources that are often consulted in the University libraries include: Internet, CD-ROM databases, online databases, Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs), electronic journals, electronic books and digitized materials. The use of electronic information resources is a factor that is considered to be largely influenced by the nature of electronic information environment that is available and enabled by the state of ICT in a given University.
According to Shuling (2007), electronic information has gradually become a major resource in every university library. The emergence of electronic information resources, simply referred to as electronic resources, has tremendously transformed information handling and management in academic environments and in University libraries in particular. Ellis and Oldman (2005) note that through the use of electronic resources, researchers and students; now have access to global information resources, particularly the Internet for their scholarly intercourse.
Goodall and Pattern (2011), asserted that the performance of students can be considerably improved if the school library is well-stocked. The authors further stressed that a school library does not exist in isolation but exists to serve the objectives of the parent organization. The objective of a good educational system is to equip pupils to be able to play their role in the society effectively. They further maintain that school library attempts to advance the objectives of the school and the aims of a good school library is to become a force for educational excellence.
According to Sharma (2009) the advent of information and communication technologies such as the Internet and the web, electronic resources have brought a widely accepted scholarly resources for both students and teachers. Electronic Information Resources (EIRs) play vital roles in teaching and learning process in the academic environment and provide assistance to users. They enable users have access to first-hand information characterized by being timely, current, easy to access and, even from remote places (Ukachi, 2013).
According to Yakubu and Olatoye (2015) electronic resources are the information on devices such as net, hard disc, flash drive and CD ROMS. It could be in form of database application created for a particular organization that manages data and allows easy access, fast storage and retrieval of that data.
Library information resources are the information bearing materials that are either in print or non-print format. They include CD-ROM, textbooks, journals, OPAC, online databases, serials, Internet resources among others. In a university, the information resources housed or provided by the university library are meant to support the teaching, learning and research activities of the university, and undergraduates constitute a greater percentage of students in most universities.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Utilization of Electronic Information Resources by Library and Information Science Students.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that a lot of money is being invested to procure and maintain EIRs in university libraries. However, observation of the researchers reveals under-utilization of EIRs. According to Ferdinand et al., (2015) and Adeniran (2013), both reported low utilization of EIRs by undergraduate students. Electronic information resources have brought new innovations in librarianship where library users can now access information and resources beyond the physical library space.
The most common problems with e-resources are low speed connectivity, lack of awareness about statutory provision for accessing e-resources by the institutions, technical problems, unavailability of sufficient e-resources, doubts in permanency, high purchase price and lack of legal provision (Rana, 2011). The factors hindering the use of e-resources in university libraries include; lack of strategic planning, adequate or reliable funding, lack of use of internet to provide information services to users and a lack of consistent training for users in new ICT services (Egberogbe, 2011).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Utilization of Electronic Information Resources by Library and Information Science Students. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the extent of use and the relevance of e-resources, to student needs in library;
- To examine the strategies for promoting the usage of e-resources by students;
- To identify the available e-resources in library; and
- To find out the extent quantity of library resources in school libraries meet professional standards in the study area.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does the extent quantity of library resources in school libraries meet professional standards in the study area?
- To what extent is e-resources utilization relevant to students' needs in library?
- What are the available e-resources in library?
- What are the strategies for promoting the usage of e-resources by students?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between library services and electronic library resources utilization among students
- H1: There is significant relationship between library services and electronic library resources utilization among students
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There are no significant factors militating against electronic resource libraries in meeting school professional standards in the study area.
- H1: There are significant factors militating against electronic resource libraries in meeting school professional standards in the study area.
1.7 Significance of Study
The result of this study may be beneficial to the government (policy makers, individuals), universities, library and library users. It may enable the policy makers to formulate appropriate policies that may enhance the type of information resources to be donated or bought for the library. It may also help government to be aware of current trends in the library sector and work towards achieving its goal and maintaining the standards of the library.
It is equally expected that the result of this study may help the university to provide adequate fund for sustaining library services. It may also increase value, that is, quantity and quality of information resources available to staff, students and individual users, thereby supporting the mission of each institution. This as well may help library users and staff to have knowledge of what is available in academic libraries and what is expected in the libraries. And create more opportunities for library users through user education and other skills development opportunities.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Utilization of Electronic Information Resources by Library and Information Science Students using Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri (FPNO), Imo State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this establishment to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Electronic Information Resources: They are information resources provided in electronic form, and these include resources available on the Internet such as e-books e-journals, online database, CD-ROM databases and other computer –based electronic networks, among others (Tsakonas et al. 2006).
