A comparative study of the use of electronic resources by LIS and computer science students in two Nigerian universities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the use of electronic resources (e-resources) by undergraduate students in library and information science (LIS) and computer science in two Nigerian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a comparative method. The questionnaire was designed to elicit data from 680 undergraduate students in two universities. Simple percentages and chi square (χ²) statistical tool were used to analyse and test the hypotheses. The results are presented in tables and charts.

Findings

The findings show that the undergraduate students use some of the e-resources and do not use others probably because of lack of awareness or skills to effectively use the e-resources. Overall, almost half of the undergraduate students rated their skills to use e-resources to be high. It also emerged that there is significant difference between LIS students and computer science students use of e-resources.

Practical implications

The findings of this study on e-resources and their use by different subject areas in the university will establish an important foundation for selecting and providing e-resources and services. Such a foundation allows for the development of both useful theory and practical application.

Originality/value

The study reported findings on e-resources used particularly by different user groups in universities in Nigeria. The study will add to the body of knowledge on use of e-resources in Nigeria.

Citation

Bana, D., Eze, M.E. and Esievo, L.O. (2019), "A comparative study of the use of electronic resources by LIS and computer science students in two Nigerian universities", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 36 No. 9, pp. 6-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-08-2019-0055