Demographics and perceived computer skill levels as predictors of faculty awareness and use of electronic information resources

Abstract

Purpose The main aim of this paper is to examine the role of demographics and self-reported computer skill levels as predictors of e-resources awareness and use by faculty members working at various public and private universities in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted at public and private universities in Bangladesh. A total of 757 faculty members from 48 universities across the country responded to the survey. The data were analyzed using various descriptive statistics, i.e. frequencies and percentages and non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to see the differences in levels of awareness among faculty members in terms of university type, gender, age, designation, specialization and computer proficiency levels. An ordinal regression model was used to predict the role of demographics and computer skill levels on faculty awareness levels. Finally, correlation coefficient was measured to see the relationships between faculty awareness and use of e-resources. Findings The findings revealed that faculty members working at different universities in Bangladesh are generally aware of most e-resources types. There were significant differences in faculty awareness in terms of demographics and self-reported computer skills levels. The results showed that computer proficiency level is a significant predictor of faculty awareness of e-resources. The findings also showed that awareness and use of e-resources are positively and significantly correlated. Originality/value This is the foremost attempt to assess the role of demographics and computer skill levels as predictors of awareness and use of e-resources by faculty members.