Problems and Challenges Facing the University Of Nigeria Undergraduate Students in the Use of the Unn Digital Library

Abstract

This paper examined the problems and challenges facing the undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka in their use of the digital library of the institution. A sample size of 390 respondents was used, while all seven staff of the digital library in UNN were interviewed. The findings indicated that awareness of the meaning of multi-media is low. The library is being run as an internet café as against the real purpose of a digital/virtual library which should offer virtual access to other libraries, access to e-books among other crucial services. Respondents mentioned slow network as the most important problem, followed by difficulty in reaching needed e-books due to no subscription. Inability to access online books appeared more than power failure as problems. The study recommended that the university administration should show interest in ascertaining the functionality of newly established methods of learning and research to see how well they are going in view of the university's ICT goals and the general ICT policies of Nigeria. The digital library should also regularly renew subscriptions and look for ways to collaborate with other libraries on resource sharing to help students have better and greater access to books stored in other virtual libraries.