Awareness, access and usage of E-Resources by students of the University of Bamenda

Abstract

The proliferation of information technology has improved the way information is generated, stored and retrieved. This paper seeks to examine issues pertaining to awareness, access and usage of e-resources by students of The University of Bamenda. The study adopted the quantitative research method and the descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of students, with a sample of 377 respondents selected across the various faculties and schools that constitute The University of Bamenda. Samples were drawn using the simple random sampling technique and questionnaire was used as the main instrument for data collection. Data gathered during field survey was analyzed quantitatively. Findings of the study revealed that vast majority of students are not aware of the availability of electronic resources in the electronic resources subscribed for by the University but rather expressed their awareness of the broad base internet sources, implying that students are not well informed with regards to the e-library services available in the institution. The study equally revealed that access and usage of e-resources have significantly enhanced the academic outputs of students at all levels. Finally, the study recommended that The University of Bamenda should intensify trainings on the access as well as creating awareness among students on the availability of its e-resources.