Utilisation of subscribed electronic resources by library users in Mzumbe university library, Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose -This study aims to investigate the utilisation of subscribed e-resources at Mzumbe University (MU) main library. The study involved academic staff, undergraduate (third-year) students and postgraduate students of MU.Design/methodology/approach -The study used a mixed-method research design using crosssectional and case study research designs. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences version 20 and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings -The findings revealed that participants were moderately aware of the library-subscribed e-resources, and the major barriers that caused underutilisation were unstable network connectivity and lack of searching skills. It was recommended that MU Library should equip library users with intensive training on information searching skills to increase utilisation of the subscribed e-resources. Furthermore, it was strongly recommended that the library should market its subscribed e-resources to attract more users.Originality/value -Many papers have been written on electronic resources, but this study specifically focussed on subscribed resources, and it is the first time that an investigation has been done on utilisation of subscribed electronic resources by library users in MU. The results of the study could be useful for MU Library and other academic libraries in Africa in ensuring that there is high utilisation of subscribed e-resources.

Use of electronic resources by law academics: a case study from the University of Namibia

“…From the study, 100 per cent of Law Faculty members are aware of the e-resources subscribed to by UNAM's main campus library. This is similar to the findings of a study by Isibika and Kavishe (2018), which reported that participants were moderately aware of the library-subscribed e-resources at Mzumbe University. Another empirical study by Yebowaah and Plockey (2017) reported that 65 per cent of respondents were aware of e-resources in the library of the University for Development Studies (Ghana).…”

“…Non-probability sampling was used to select 12 respondents from the group, of which six also participated in the in-depth interviews. This convenient sampling technique was used to incur less cost and time for the study (Isibika and Kavishe, 2018).…”

“…These studies revealed different results regarding academics' awareness of e-resources. Isibika and Kavishe (2018) who studied the utilisation of subscribed e-resources at Mzumbe University (Tanzania) found that academic staff and students were moderately aware of the library-subscribed e-resources. Boakye (2017) investigated the level of awareness, accessibility and use of e-journals in private universities in Ghana.…”

“…Several studies found that scholars experience problems in accessing e-resources. These include a lack of awareness of e-resources and information retrieval and searching skills (Kumar and Kumar, 2010;Chauhan and Mahajan, 2014;Isibika and Kavishe, 2018); poor information technology infrastructure (especially in Africa and the rest of the developing world), such as limited access to computers, unstable network connectivity and slow download speeds (Sharma, 2009;Zabed Ahmed, 2013b;Zabed Ahmed, 2014;Zabed Ahmed, 2013a;Boakye, 2017;Isibika and Kavishe, 2018); and limited access to e-resources, including limited access to relevant titles and contents on specific subjects (Zabed Ahmed, 2013a andLeonard andSnyman, 2019).…”

Awareness and Use of Open Access Resources Among the Students of Selected Engineering Institutions in Telangana State: A Survey

“…Based on the literature review, it was found that only a very limited number of studies particularly on open access resources have been conducted. Therefore, a few studies related to this area, are summarized below: Isibika (2018) revealed that a considerable number of participants were moderately aware of the library subscribed e-resources. And the major constraints identified among the respondents in utilizing such resources were unstable network connectivity and lack of searching skills.…”