HINDRANCES TO EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF LIBRARY ELECTRONIC INFORMATION DATABASES BY LECTURERS IN THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY, OSOGBO

Abstract

This study investigated hindrances to effective utilization of library Electronic Information Databases (EIDs) by academic staff of College of Agriculture, Osun State University. The study also examined possible strategies to enhance the use of library electronic information databases. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire administered to 50 academic staff of the College. 24 usable responses to the questionnaire were received. The study used frequency counts, percentages and mean for data analysis. The results revealed that inadequate power supply, poor network/Internet connectivity, inadequate promotion of databases to users by librarians, and irregular updates of databases subscription were identified as key factors that hindered effective use of the library electronic information databases. Suggested strategies to the hindrances to effective use of library EIDs include the need for the provision of adequate electricity and access to electronic information databases; need to create more awareness on available electronic information databases by the University Library; purchase of more networked computers by the University; and need for librarians to train more to be able to better assist lecturers in their information search. It was recommended that there should be provision of adequate electricity and access to electronic information databases by the government and in extension the University authority.