international journal of digital library services ddde ... · sunaina khanna assistant librarian,...

International Journal of Digital Library Services

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AN ASSESSMENT OF E-RESOURCES USAGE IN

PANJAB UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

SUNAINA KHANNA Assistant Librarian, A.C. Joshi Library, Panjab University, Chandigarh

E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The present study strives to explore the usage of e-resources in Panjab

University, Chandigarh. An endeavour is made to investigate the questions

relating to the users‟ awareness regarding the e-resources of the library and their

beliefs concerning the credibility of available e-resources. Additionally, an

attempt is made to know the users most used e-resource and the purpose of using

it. The question was inquired of the users to know whether the use of the e-

resources diminishes the significance of traditional resources. Furthermore, tries

to ascertain the preference of conventional resources in the digital age or not. A

structured questionnaire was administered to 190 users of three categories -

undergraduates, postgraduates and research scholars, to determine their views.

Keywords: E-resources, Academic Libraries, Users study and Printed resources

Introduction

Academic life revolves around libraries which are in existence for decades and are the pivot of

knowledge. The library is a necessity for all educational institutions. The 20th century has

witnessed a change in information technologies. Those technologies made it possible to publish

information online. The emerging technology has opened various gates for the academic

community, with the flow of enormous scholarly information. The e-resources are well-liked by

today‟s users'. Gradually, the trend of reading prints has shifted to the inclusion of e-resources

usage in academics. Moreover, academic libraries are making this viable by providing access to

online resources to satisfy the information needs of the users. All university libraries are

working hard to organize and manage e-resources for users, for its optimum and superlative

usage.

A majority of journals in the field of sciences (96.1 per cent) and social sciences (86.5 per cent)

are available online (John Cox Associates for ALPSP, 2008). E-resources to a great extent are in

use for their various advantages, but amongst all the benefits, the desired feature is their

accessibility 24X7. Accessibility feature sidelines its cost factor and archiving issues etc. and

continues to sustain its dominant place. The influence of technology has transformed the

collection development strategies and structure of services in libraries.

Over the years, the policies and practices regarding collection development have transformed

with the adoption of the separate exclusive budget for electronic resources procurement. Usage




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) studies on e-resources for sure help the library staff in renewing the e-resources and in the

allocation of budget accordingly. The ever-shrinking budget and fluctuations in exchange rates

have put a question on developing collections. Library professionals assure users for procuring

through their needs. Also, conduct usage studies from time to time.

In this background, the emerged questions can only be elucidated through a survey. Hence,

prompted to conduct research in Panjab University library for ascertaining what, why and how

the users‟ use the e-resources.

Previous studies

Ingutia-Oyieke and Dicka (2010) compared the awareness and usage of e-resources among

undergraduates in two Kenyan Universities. The result of the findings revealed that the barriers

in the usage of e-resources were lack of technical skills, informational retrieval skills and lack of

knowledge of existing and of new e-resources available in their libraries. The usage of e-

resources was higher in UEAB than KU. Moreover, both libraries users‟ were lagging behind

with the latest ICT skills due to a lack of contemplation concerning awareness and access skills.

At East African School of Library and Information science, Makerere University, Uganda

(Okello-Obura and Magara, 2008) a study was conducted to evaluate the electronic information

access. The findings of the study indicated that the inclusion of accessing information

electronically in academics helped users in obtaining diverse, all-inclusive and quality

information as well as enhanced their academic aspirations. In the year 2008, Madhusudhan

investigated students and faculty of universities and research organizations concerning the usage

of electronic resources. The research scholars were profoundly dependent on UGC-Infonet for

their research work. Their current information need was satisfied from electronic resources. A

study was conducted (Ojo and Akande, 2005) at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan,

Nigeria for investigating the awareness, use and access of e-resources. Usage of e-resources was

not up to the mark as it has to be. The problem for such a low level of usage was due to the fact

users was unaware of the searching techniques. Another study was carried out in the University

of Agriculture Library, Nigeria (Oduwole and Akpati, 2003) for evaluating the accessibility and

retrieval of information from electronic resources. All fraternity of the University preferred to

use the electronic information resources for its „easy accessibility‟ feature. Users were highly

satisfied with information output from the electronic resources but reported the insufficient

availability of terminals and frequent power failure hindered their usage. Ray and Day (1998)

study revealed that using e-resources, especially CD-ROMs were easy to use and saved users‟

time.

Objectives

The objectives undertaken for the study are:

1. To determine awareness among users about e-resources available in Panjab University

2. To know about the credibility of available e-resources

3. To find out users‟ most used e-resources

4. To ascertain the purpose of using e-resources




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) 5. To identify whether e-resources diminishes the importance of traditional resources

Research Methodology

Panjab University, Chandigarh has been selected for the purpose of evaluating usage of e-

resources. The present study adopts a survey research methodology. The questionnaire was

designed to elicit data from undergraduates, postgraduates and research scholars. A conscious

effort was made to distribute questionnaires equally to each category of users to achieve accurate

results. Questionnaires were distributed to 250 users of the library, out of which 190 completely

filled questionnaires were received back. The collected data after checking was analyzed through

SPSS. The analyzed data was tabulated and interpreted further and presented in the form of

tables and graphs.

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Analysis of data is the determining step in the research process. It is the link between raw data

and vital results leading to conclusions. This process of analysis has to be result oriented.

Demographic Information

The information regarding Panjab University users‟ such as category, gender and age group has

been presented below:

Table 1: User category

Category Response Received Percentage

Undergraduates 50 26.3

Post graduates 90 47.4

Research scholars 50 26.3

Total 190 100

Figure 1: Age Group of Respondents




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) Figure 2: Gender Wise Respondents

Table 1 above shows the category to which users belonged. The questionnaires were received

from 26.3 percent undergraduates, 47.4 percent postgraduates and 26.3 percent from research

scholars. The obtained information from users of different age groups that comprises of 70

percent from the age group of 20-30 years, 27.37 percent from the age group of 30-40 and 2.63

percent from the age group of 40 and above (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows that majority of the users

were female students (53 percent) in comparison to male users (47 percent).

Creditability of E-Resources

The chief concern of any library is to know the creditability of their resources. Table 2 depicts

the responses regarding the creditability of e-resources.

Table 2: Creditability of E-Resources

E-resources Response Received Percentage

Good 103 54.21

Very Good 55 28.95

Average 32 16.84

Total 190 100

In response to a query on the credibility of e-resources, combined scores of „very good‟ and

„good‟ revealed that 83.2 per cent of users found that the e-resources to a great extent were

credible. Interestingly, few users (16.84 per cent) found that the available e-resources in Panjab

University were of an average kind (Table 2). Users use the available e-resources in the library in

the academics. The majority of the student's needs were satisfied with the procurement of up to

the mark e-resources.

Awareness about Accessing E-resources

The enquiry was carried out on users‟ awareness related to infrastructural facilities. Table 3

below depicts the responses.




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) Table 3: Awareness about facilities

Awareness Yes No Total

Computers 159 (83.68) 31 (16.3) 190 (100)

Wifi facility 146 (76.84) 44 (23.15) 190 (100)

OPAC 162 (85.26) 28 (14.73) 190 (100)

The university libraries reach out to their users by various methods to inform them about the

resources available and services provided by the library. The users of the library were enquired

to indicate their awareness about the availability of computers, Wifi facility, OPAC and e-

resources. Table 3 presents the result of the analysis. The table exhibits that the majority of

users were aware of the provision of facilities such as computers, Wifi facility and OPAC.

Additionally, a small number of the user was not aware of the provision of facilities in the

library. There is still the necessity of regular orientation and awareness programmes concerning

services and facilities.

Knowledge among students of Accessing E-Resources

Accessing of e-resources is peculiar. Accessing of e-resources is unusual. There are several ways

of retrieving the information. The question is put forward to users about their knowledge

regarding accessing e-resources or not and responses are presented in Figure 3 below:

Figure 3: Knowledge among students of Accessing E-Resources

From the Figure 3, it is evident that the majority of users had appropriate knowledge of accessing

information from e-resources. On the other hand, a large part of users was still unaware of how

to use the e-resources. There is a need to train library staff which in turn can assist the users in

the use of e-resources. The Chi-Square test was performed to evaluate association between

knowledge among students of accessing e-resources and category of users. The test result shows

that the value of significant at 0.05 (χ2=22.61, p=0.001*<0.05). A low level of significance

reveals that there exists a significant difference in knowledge for accessing e-resources and

category of users. Students' knowledge of accessing e-resources is affected by users‟ category.

The postgraduates and research scholars have more insight regarding accessing e-resources in

contrast to undergraduates.




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) Access point of e-resources

The users were enquired to indicate their favourite place for using e-resources. The bar graph

below depicts the received responses:

Figure 4: Access point of e-resources

Significant<0.05

From Figure 4 it is evident that most of the users (42.6 per cent) preferred to use the Central

library for surfing e-resources. In addition to the central library, e-resources are used at home by

a significant portion of users. However, a small group of users preferred to use them at Cyber

café and department computer lab. Only a few users preferred to access e-resources in university

hostels to fulfill their information needs, while only 1.58 per cent users depend on other places to

access internet-based e-resources which is quite insignificant. Thus, the central library and home

are the two major access points for surfing e-resources. The chi-square test results indicate that

access points vary according to gender. The calculated value is statistically significant at 0.05

(χ2=29.0, df 5, p=0.001*<0.05). Thus, the access point is affected by gender.

Types of E-resources accessed

Users‟ search various e-resources for satisfying their information needs. In response to the query,

the users revealed the most used kind of e-resources. The result is presented in Table 4 below:




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) Table 4: Types of E-Resources accessed

Types Response Received Percentage

Electronic Journals 106 55.79

Electronic books 31 16.31

Online databases 39 20.53

Bibliographic databases 5 2.63

CD-ROM databases 9 4.74

Total 190 100

E-resources have changed the way of accessing information as they allow retrieving information

conveniently and quickly. With the increasing use of e-resources in higher education, all the

stakeholders of higher education are trying to integrate them in the process of teaching, learning

and research. The result revealed that the users mostly preferred to explore electronic journals

(55.79 per cent) followed by online databases (20.33 per cent). However, a small portion of users

preferred to use electronic books (16.31 per cent). Least used e-resource in the listed e-resources

for the survey was CD-ROM databases (4.74 per cent) and bibliographic databases (2.63 per

cent).

Purpose of using Electronic Resources

The respondents were asked to indicate their purpose of using e-resources. Table 5 presents the

analysis of the responses:

Table 5: Purpose of using Electronic Resources

Purpose Response

Received

Percentage Chi-

Square

p-

value

Writing papers/articles 93 48.95

18.716 0.016*

Research work 39 20.53

Keeping up to date subject information 21 11.05

Finding relevant information in the area

of specialization

19 10

Current information 18 9.47

Total 190 100

*Significant at 0.05

It is evident from the Table 5 that e-resources were used mainly for writing papers/articles (48.95

per cent). The research scholars (20.53 per cent) depend on e-resources for their research work.

There were 11.05 per cent users incorporate e-resources in their study to keep themselves

up‐ to‐ date in their subject field. The e-resources are capable of attaining pertinent information

in the specialized area (10 per cent). Interestingly, a small portion of users‟ uses it for getting the

latest information. The Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the relationship between the

purpose of using the e-resources and category of users. A low value of significance




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) (p=0.016*<0.05) shows that there exists a significant difference. Hence, the use of e-resources is

dependent on the category of users.

Problems faced while accessing the e-resources

The peculiarity of search techniques of e-resources may become a barrier in the way of users.

Table 6 highlights the problems that create a barrier in accessing information. The respondents'

gave multiple responses to this query. Thus, N=296 (155.8 per cent).

Table 6: Encountered problems

Problem encountered Response

Received

Percentage Chi-

Square

p-value

Do not know URLs 47 16

20.10 0.002**

Getting too much information 130 44

Slow internet connectivity 74 25

Failed to access full text 45 15

Total 190* 100

* Multiple responses **Significant at 0.05

The Table 6 lists the problems faced by the users in accessing the electronic resources.

Searching for information on a particular topic retrieves the abundance of information and

wastes their time. Proper training in the use of e-resources must be given to enable them to

retrieve pinpointed information which would save their time. Another problem widely

confronted was „slow Internet connectivity‟. A few users were unable to access full text or were

unaware of the URLs. The chi-square test was performed to examine problems according to the

age group. The result is statistically significant. A low level of significance (χ2=20.10,

p=0.002*<0.05) indicates that there is a strong association between the problems confronted and

the age of the users. It is evident from the results that all age group users encounter problems

while accessing e-resources.

Satisfaction with available e-resources

The university may procure e-resources, but they are of no use if the users are not satisfied with

them. Therefore, users were asked to give feedback regarding e-resources. Table 7 presents the

received responses.

Table 7: Satisfaction with available e-resources

Level of

Satisfaction

Response

Received

Percentage Chi-

Square

p-value

Satisfied 135 71.05 21.755 0.001*

Unsatisfied 47 24.74




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) Neutral 8 4.21

Total 190 100

*Significant at 0.05

Table 7 shows the satisfaction level of respondents with the available e-resources. 71.05 per cent

users are satisfied with e-resources which are available in the library but still, users (24.74 per

cent) remained unsatisfied. A very few had remained ‘neutral’. The unsatisfied users indicate

that there is a requirement to procure e-resources as per their needs. The department should

recommend e-resources in their subject areas. The library should provide orientation to students

at frequent intervals and make them aware of the available library e-resources and also, instruct

them on its usage. The Chi-Square test was performed to evaluate association between

satisfaction and category of users. The value of significance is statistically significant

(p=0.001<0.05) which shows a relationship between category of users and satisfaction with

available e-resources. Thus, the satisfaction with available library e-resources is affected by the

category of users.

Do E-Resources Diminish the Importance of Traditional Resources?

The ever-increasing resources in digital media raise a question mark on the survival of print

media. A question came in the mind of researchers - Do e-resources diminish the importance of

traditional resources? Table 8 below presents the analyzed responses.

Table 8: Effect of e-resources on traditional resources

Response Response Received Percentage Chi-Square p-value

Yes 47 75.26

5.925 0.051 No 143 24.74

Total 190 100

*Non significant at 0.05

Table 8 reveals that the majority of users (75.26 per cent) think that e-resources can never

diminish the relevance of traditional resources as they will continue to assist in their research

needs. On the other hand, 24.74 per cent of users believe that e-resources may replace traditional

sources of information. Table 8 shows that academics are equally attached to traditional sources

of information even in the ICT era. The Chi-square test was performed to find out the association

between the effect of e-resources on traditional resources and age of the user. The value of

significance is 0.051>0.05. A high significance value reveals that there is no association between

the effect of e-resources on traditional resources and age of users. To conclude, the effect of e-

resources on traditional resources is independent of the age group of users.




((( IIISSSSSSNNN:::222222555000---111111444222))) Findings and Discussion

The majority of users found that the e-resources to an extent were credible. The majority of users

were aware of the facilities in the library such as computers, Wifi facility, OPAC and knowledge

of accessing of information from e-resources. Postgraduates and research scholar were more

aware in comparison to undergraduates. This finding refutes the previous study (Ajuwon‟s et al

2003) which indicated that users were not aware of the available e-resources.

Dadize‟s (2007) study showed that e-resources were essential research tools that compliment the

print resources and is in agreement with the finding of an existing study which interprets that the

users regularly seek e-journals followed by online databases.

Frequently e-resources are surfed in the central library. Gender of the users affects the access

point. The purpose of using e-resources was mainly for writing papers/articles followed by

research work. The other studies support this finding (Madhusudan, 2008; Oduwole and Akpati,

2003).

The study reveals that users were not happy while using e-resources as while accessing them too

much information was retrieved. All age group users encounter problems while accessing e-

resources. These other studies by Ray and Day, 1998; Ali, 2005; Ojo and Akande, 2005 supports

this finding that users do encounter problems while accessing e-resources.

Conclusion and Suggestions

The Internet has opened new gates for academic community with provision of a new platform for

publishing. The collection and services of the libraries have been transformed by the influence of

technologies. ICT application has made it possible to deal with the rising financial crisis and

changed the modus-operandi of accessing information. The study explored the usage of e-

resources in Panjab University library, Chandigarh. The study spotlighted that users were aware

and very much satisfied with e-resources which are available in the library and opined that e-

resources can never diminish the light of traditional resources and will continue to assist in

enlightening their lives. The study suggested taking steps for providing in-service training to

staff regarding e-resources and upgrading their knowledge with upcoming developments, so as

they can guide the users in a better way. Further, the library should take the necessary action for

the issues relating Internet connectivity and the speed of the Internet for optimal and maximal

usage that will satisfy the needs and requirement of users. The study suggests adopting relevant

marketing strategies for users‟ awareness regarding electronic resources. Although, print material

is in demand and complete replacement with e-resources is far away.

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