ABSTRACT

Electronic resources play a vital role in promoting students’ learning in higher education. This research investigated predicting factors for effective e-resources usage, emanating problems and practical implications. This study sought to investigate and provide evidence regarding the awareness and usage of Electronic Information Resources and services offered by the University of Benin to library an information science students. A specifically designed questionnaire was administered to gather information about the awareness of resources, the frequency of use, the kind of information sources preferred by students, the main reasons for using the resources, the perceived effectiveness of the searches, the factors encouraging their use and the major obstacles in terms of using them effectively. In addition, the researcher sought information on the ways students identify the sources they use, the level of training they have received in using the services and their training needs. Results showed that the vast majority of the participants used Internet search engines rather than specialized databases and full-text resources. From the findings, it is deduced that users’ perception influences use of eresources in academic libraries, while lack of awareness, lack of training, unreliable Internet connectivity, insufficient e-resources in various study areas, unavailability of e-resources on 24/7 and difficulty of identifying relevant information to meet users’ needs are challenges hindering use of e-resources. In order to exploit the full potential of electronic information, The university and the University library should undertake a more active role in informing, promoting, and educating the members of the academic community.

Key words: Electronic resources, User Education, E-literacy, Information and Communication Technology. E-Library Services, Academic Library.