Electronic Information Access and Utilization by Makerere University Students in Uganda

Abstract

Objectives – The objectives of this study were to establish the level of computer utilization skills of Makerere University (Uganda) Library and Information Science (LIS) students; to determine the use of electronic information resources by LIS students; to determine the attitudes of LIS students towards electronic information resources; and to establish the problems faced by LIS students in accessing electronic information resources. Methods – A questionnaire survey was used for data collection. Results – The majority of Library and Information Science students at Makerere University depend on university computers for their work, and very few of them access the library’s e-resources. The few who access e-resources are self-taught. The majority of students surveyed were unaware of Emerald and EBSCO databases relevant to Library and Information Science students, and they found accessing e-resources time-consuming. Conclusion – The study concluded that a concerted effort is needed by both LIS lecturers and university librarians in promoting use of the library’s electronic resources.