THE EXTENT OF AVAILABILITY AND STUDENTS’ UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION LIBRARIES IN THE NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT

The  study  investigated  the  extent  of  Availability  and  students’  utilization  of  Electronic Information Resources (EIRs) in Colleges of Education (COE) Libraries in the North Central Nigeria. Six specific objectives and six research questions guided the study. Two null hypotheses were formulated and used to test the study at (0.05) level of significance. The review of related literature  indicated  that  the  concept  of EIRs  is synonymous  with digital  and  virtual  library resources within the COE environment. The review noted the scarcity of research information on the topic in the study area but identified some problems and strategies for solving the problems. The survey research design was used for the study. The target population of the study is 1472 students and librarians. Proportionate stratified random sampling techniques were used to select

221 respondents for the study. Structured questionnaire titled Students’ Utilization of Electronic Information Resources Library Questionnaire (SUEIRLQ) and Observation Checklist (OC) were the instruments used to collect data. The instrument was validated and a test re-test reliability conducted by experts. The researcher with two research assistants collected the data from the survey field. The data collected were analyzed by statistical analyst with the aid of a package known as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings show that quite a number of EIRs were available while others were not. The purpose of use of EIRs are learning and research; there is generally a low extent of students utilization and also, a low extent to which EIRs  meet  with  the  purposes  of  their  utilization;  problems  and  strategies  for  curbing  the problems were discovered. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that library and Electronic Information Resources be introduced for all NCE year one students in all Colleges of Education in Nigeria so that they can utilize modern library services. It was concluded that some EIRs were available, but the utilization by students failed.

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The  last  ten  (10)  years  have  seen  a  number  of  changes  in  the  higher education sector which have exerted pressure upon the traditional role of the academic library. Miccal, Cleveland and Gibson (1999) identified some of the changes to include: rapid growth in student numbers; growth in mature students and part- time students who have different needs and expectations; inflation in the cost of printed materials and growing number of academic publications. In similar manner, Arms (2005) outlines some changes in higher education to include: falling library  budgets  as  a  percentage  of  the  total  institutional  budgets;  changes  in teaching  and  learning  methods,  towards  greater  emphasis  on  student  centred learning and technological developments among other changes.

One major technological development in higher education is the onset of electronic information resources in institution libraries. Electronic Information Resources (EIRs) is a collection of information a collection of information, and services where the information is stored in digital formats and accessible over network (Arms, 2005). Also, Maccall, Cleveland and Gibson (1999) defined electronic information resources as collection  of electronic knowledge resources developed and maintained in order to meet the totality of information need for a given  user  population.  They  explained  that,  like  the  traditional  library,  the electronic information resources is also targeted towards a given group of users in

terms of its information dissemination. For Obaseki and Amune (2009), electronic information  resources  is  the  presence  of printed  information  in a  format  only viewed and accessed through the use of information communication technology (ICT) via electrical manipulations. This indicates that electronic information resources connote not only those information resources accessed only with the aid of computer, but other forms of ICTs. An “electronic resource” or electronic information resource is defined as any work encoded and made available for access through the use of a computer. It includes electronic data available by remote access  and  direct  access.  In  other  words:  remote  access  (electronic  access resources) refers to the use of electronic resources via carriers (eg. Disc, cassettes, cartridges)  designed to be inserted into a computerized device or  its  auxiliary equipment.

This  implies  that  electronic  information  resources are  resources  that  are accessed  electronically,  virtually  or  in  storage  devices  such  as  CD-ROMs, computer  memories  and  others.  Obaseki,  Umeji  and  Krubu  (2010)  further explained that electronic information resources connote those resources which before now are in print form, but presently found in non- print form (soft copy) accessible through ICTs. The authors showed that electronic information resources include  published  journals,  and  books,  encyclopaedia,  pamphlets,  cartographic

materials or other published resources that are in soft copies. EIRs also include sound and animated graphics, pictures and movies.

Electronic Information resources can provide a number of advantages over traditional print based resources. These advantages include the fact that electronic information sources are often faster than consulting print indexes, especially when searching retrospectively, and they are more straight forward when using a combination of keywords. According to Evans (1995), electronic Information Resources help to open up the possibility of searching multiple files at one time a feat accomplished more easily than when using printed equivalent. Also, the author asserts that electronic information resources can be printed and services saved to be repeated at a later date. They can be updated more often than printed tools. One of the main advantages, especially to distance learners or those with limited time to access library is their availability from outside the library by dial-up access (Evans,

1995). Some information resources are accessible automatically whereas others are password restricted, and the passwords are only accessible to those who are on the institutions network.

Further, Okebukola  (2007) opined  that  Electronic Information Resources have enhanced the quality of teaching and learning through the provision of current books in libraries. The author noted that electronic information resources have many advantages  which  include; accessibility; easy searching, interactive, easy

links, added value, inexpensive; and flexibility. The author pointed out that EIRs can be accessed from any computer off campus any time of the day. Also, EIRs are easily searchable, indicating that each EIR can be searched quickly and easily, often through the complete full text of articles and via on lines index. The EIRs facilitate speed in that articles/issues appear online before printed version is available. It is interactive, indicating that articles can be read, commented by the readers, amended quickly and greater feedback through the web.

Electronic  information  resources  have  added  value  by  using  animation virtual reality and interactive mathematical charts. As well, it is inexpensive as savings can be made over printing costs, distribution costs and extra costs by new features.  Further,  Okebukola  (2007)  noted  that  EIRs  has  the  advantage  of flexibility, thus indicating the rate at which e-journals evolve. They are not tied to a format, printer and distribution network.

These characteristics/advantages of EIRs have necessitated the provision and utilization of electronic information resources in academic libraries worldwide. As reported by Omekwu (2005), the world is fast becoming a global village and the necessary tool for  this  process  is  the  electronic  resources  in  which  electronic database  constitute a  major  component.  He  stressed  that  the use of  electronic information resources in academic libraries is intended to facilitate access to local, national  and  global  information  to  improve  learning,  teaching  and  research

outcome of users of information in a digital society. Accordingly, electronic information resources have become one of most important infrastructures that are very essential to the development of academic library services in the 21st century.

Among the academic libraries in Nigeria are the colleges of education libraries.  According  to  the  National  Commission  for  Colleges  of  Education (NCCE, 2003), colleges of Education libraries are established to support learning, teaching and research activities of students and staff within the college community. Colleges of Education libraries have the following objectives; ensuring that its collections and services are designed to meet the objectives and the information requirements; ensuring that the resources and facilities provided are maximally utilized through proper organization and dissemination; gives qualitative reference and information services for teaching, and research and evaluate from time to time the resources of the library and information needs of its users.

According to NCCE Guidelines (2003) all library information resources including books, periodicals, newspapers, magazines, audio virtual material resources and electronic information resources needed for academic use and research purposes must be provided in colleges of education libraries.

The  provision of  information resources, and  in particular, the electronic information  resources  deserve  attention  because  of  the  newer  demands  of  the

technological developments. Provision of electronic information resources implies the  process  and  act  of  acquiring  electronic  information  resources  required  by library users. According to Obaseki, Umeji and Krubu (2010), provision of electronic  information  resources  should  be  made  a  cardinal  aspect  of  an institutional annual budgeting. The active and timely provision of Electronic Information Resources demonstrates another way in which college libraries are adapting new technologies. Though, the provision of electronic information resources has formed requirements for colleges of education libraries, the extent to which colleges provide these electronic information resources deserve to be investigated, this is because as Diana (2002) observed that lack of or inadequate provisions of electronic information resources may result to inadequate utilization of library services.

In some institutions in Nigeria, the availability of electronic information resources is very common. But their proper and maximum use is a matter for discussion. Advances in computer applications during the past few decades have brought radical changes in the way information  is  gathered, stored, organized, accessed, retrieved and utilized. A number of relevant studies have been carried out  on  the  use  of  electronic  information  resources  by  teachers,  students  and research scholars of Universities and research organizations. The findings show that:

i.        Speed of availability and the ease of accessibility of information cause users to utilize electronic information resources more frequently.

ii.       The use of electronic information resources is not satisfactory and needs constant guidance/orientation to enhance their usage.

iii.      Lack of training  is  a major de-motivating factor in the utilization of electronic information resources. Also, Kaur and Verma (2011) find that users utilize all the sources available to them regularly like CD-ROMs, online databases, web resources and audio/video tapes. Though the emergence of the electronic information resources has brought into the world,   a   wider   database   for   students   and   researchers  to   acquire knowledge, the extent to which students in colleges of education utilize the electronic information resources call for investigation.

The basic assumption is that there is connectivity between provision and utilization of electronic information resources in institutions’ libraries, including those of colleges of education. Thus, for students to meet their information needs, electronic information resources must not only be provided but must be utilized by the students in colleges of education.

In North central Nigeria, there are many colleges of education under varying ownership status- Federal, States or private. The colleges of education by their mission and policy should encourage learning, research, creativity and teaching. To

achieve the mission statement, the colleges are expected to provide and utilize the electronic information resources, especially in seeking and using information for their academic  work. There is the need to investigate the extent to which the electronic information resources are provided as well as the extent to which the EIRs are utilized in the colleges of education in North Central Nigeria. In investigation of the extent of provision and utilization of electronic information resources  in  the  colleges  of  education,  there  is  need  to  further  ascertain  the influence of College Ownership Status (Federal or State) on the extent of provision and utilization of the resources. Though, both the federal and state colleges of education are guided by the stipulations of the minimum standards as set by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) there may be variations both in the provision and utilization of electronic information resources in the colleges. This is not however certain and therefore deserves investigation.

Statement of the Problem

The emergence of electronic information resources has tremendously transformed information handling and management in Nigeria academic environment and higher institutions libraries in particular. Electronic Information resources are invaluable research tools that complement the print based resources in  a  traditional  library  setting.  Some  of  the  advantages  include,  access  to information that might be restricted to the user due to geographical location or

finances; access to more current information and provision of extensive links to additional resources related contents, among others.

The rapid emergence and development of electronic information resources makes it possible to envision radically different ways of organising the collection and services the library have traditionally provided. The non-provision and utilization of the electronic information resources to students in tertiary institutions should have negative effect on the quality of teaching, learning and research. It is clear that students would be denied access to information that  is beyond their institutional environment, culture, age and period.

In colleges of education in North Central Nigeria, many libraries approach a crisis point in financing, collection and development. Most colleges of education libraries are in deplorable conditions due to inadequate funding. These manifest in colleges of education libraries with few current books, journals, and other reading resources. Towards solving these problems faced by libraries nationwide, a number of electronic resources initiatives have been put in place by government to assist in the development and use of electronic resources in a number of academic institutions.

These initiatives notwithstanding, some inadequacies in the development, provision and utilization of electronic information resources had been identified. A

number of studies have been conducted with a view to proffering solutions to problems encountered in the development of electronic information resources, without  a  better  understanding  of  the  extent  of  provision  and  utilization  of electronic information resources, it is difficult for service providers to know if they are meeting the information needs of students effectively. The problem of this study put in the form of a question is: To what extent has electronic information resources been available and utilized by students in colleges of education libraries of the North Central Nigeria.

Purpose of the study

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the extent of availability and utilization of electronic information resources, by students in colleges of education libraries in North central of Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to:

1.  Identify  the  electronic  information  resources  provided  in  colleges  of education libraries in north central Nigeria.

2.  Determine the purpose for which students in colleges of education utilize the electronic information resources.

3.  Determine  the  extent  to  which  students  utilize  electronic  information resources in colleges of education libraries

4.  Find  out  the  extent  to  which  electronic  information  resources  meet  the purpose for their utilization

5.  Identify the problems encountered by students in utilization of electronic information resources in colleges of education in north central Nigeria.

6.  Identify strategies for curbing the problems encountered by students in the utilization of electronic information resources in colleges of education libraries in north central Nigeria.

Research Questions

The following research questions guided the study:

1.  What are the types of electronic information resources provided in colleges of education libraries in north central Nigeria?

2.  What are the purposes for which students in colleges of education utilize electronic information resources?

3.  To  what  extent  has  electronic  information  resources  been  utilized  by students in colleges of education libraries in north central Nigeria?

4.  To what extent do electronic information resources meet the purposes for their utilization by students?

5.  What  are  the  problems  encountered  by  students  in  the  utilization  of electronic information resources in colleges of education libraries in north central Nigeria?

6.  What are strategies for curbing the problems encountered with the utilization of  electronic  information resources  by students  in colleges  of  education libraries in north central Nigeria?

Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. They were tested at (0.05) level of significance.

Ho.1. There is no significance difference between the extent of provision of EIRs in federal and state colleges of education libraries in north central Nigeria.

Ho 2. There is no significance difference between the extent of utilization of EIRs in federal and state colleges of education libraries in north central Nigeria.

Significance of the Study

The study of the extent of availability and utilization by students  in the North  central  Nigeria  in  colleges  of  education  libraries  are  used  to  benefit librarians, researchers, lecturers, students and college management by providing more information to them, in this “information age”. The benefit of this study to

Librarians and researchers include easier access to information, access to more information, greater access to colleagues, increased access to data, and increased convenience. Scholars also perceive the use of EIRs as having an impact on the types of project they are able to work on. Electronic resources provide access to information in a much more convenient manner than print resources. Librarians and researchers can now retrieve necessary information from their home. This increased flexibility is important to scholars who often work under tight deadlines. It also means that they have more flexibility in their living arrangement, since being in the office everyday is not a necessity. Access to information at any time from any place not only means that they can work from home, but they can work whenever they want. The over-whelming advantages of this study is convenience. This  means  that  librarians  and  researchers  are  now  capable  of  accessing information. The internet has made it possible for an exponential increase in the amount of materials available. Many of the data bases or websites on the internet now have papers available from various government resources, non government organisations and think tanks. In addition, news-papers from around the world are now  available  on  line.  This  gives  scholars  access  to  information  in  a  timely manner, and even gives them access to information they otherwise wouldn’t be able to  obtain. Further, electronic resources have provided an outlet for many organisations to get their information out to the public. This is information that

might otherwise not be easily available to scholars. Another point is greater access to  colleagues.  Collaborations  are  made  easier  by  the  ability to  send  drafts  of documents back and forth electronically or to post a document on one’s websites for  others  to  download.  Other  benefits  to  librarians  and  researchers  include increased accessibility to data and its capability to save time.

This  study  is  capable  of  assisting  lecturers  in  teaching  since  they offer greater access to current information, images, graphics and data sets. They allow lecturers to demonstrate ideas or concepts in ways they couldn’t before. Many lecturer use electronic resources to draw in current examples, graphics, models or scientific data sets to use during their course of lectures. Often lecturers will go online right before class to see if there are any good examples from current events from that day, or they will try to find a last minute example for something in their lecture. However, why most lecturers think electronic resources give them access to   electronic   materials   that   enhance   teaching   and   learning,   some   also acknowledged that they resist the temptation to flirt on the side of entertainment rather  than  education.  There  were  also  concerns  that  some  lecturers  rely  too heavily on online demonstration and use some that are less useful than traditional methods. Lecturers’ use of electronic information resources to help facilitate communication with other instructors of the course has already been covered. In

addition, class websites are used to post syllabi, readings and assignment. This study will equally assist both lecturers and students on e-teaching and learning.

The study on EIRs can benefit college students by providing more information to them, facilitating their understanding of topics and providing them with materials that enable them to work on projects they otherwise wouldn’t be able to undertake. On the other hand, students don’t always have the experience or skills necessary to accurately evaluate the reliability of information found online. Andrew Melon’s foundation stressed that access to timely information allows students to write papers and prepare argument about current events. In the past this would have  been  more  difficult  if  not  impossible because  information current events would not be readily available to them. Another benefit that students derive from the study of electronic information resources is that, more than one student can use one resource at any given time.

Scope of the Study

This study is limited to availability and utilization of electronic information resources in the following colleges of education in the  North Central Nigeria; Federal College of Education Okene, Kogi state, Federal College of Education Pankshin, Plateau state, Federal Capital Territory college of education Zuba, Kogi

State College of Education Ankpa (KSCOEA), College of Education Naka, Benue state and Alhikima College of Education Ankpa, Kogi state.

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