IMPACT OF ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC' INFORMATION RESOURCES ON STUDENTS AND LIBRARY STAFF. A CASE STUDY OF MARGARET THATCHER LIBRARY

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Electronic information resources has played a greater role in the students' academic work. There is an increasing trend in use of electronic resources in many university libraries. This is due to the fact that electronic resources are more current and more its accessibility is higher as compared to is counterpart print journals. Chapter one would discuss mainly aims of study, statement of the problem and objectives of study. Chapter two contains a theoretical framework, relevant and related literature citation to the research topic. One ofthe topics discussed in this chapter is current state of electronic information resources inuniversity libraries in Kenya. Chapter three discusses all the research methods, techniques and tools used in the accomplishment of the project. This includes:Research settings, research design, population, sample, sample techniques, data collection, and instrwnentation i.e. questionnaires and face to face interview, data analysis by use of descriptive statistics, tables and percentages. Chapter four contains the main research findings and analysis of the research project. Among the findings it was established that there are few computer access points, currency of information was the most popular feature of electronic resources among students and electronic resources within the library only limited greatly the use of electronic resources by students. Chapter five contains proposed solutions, conclusion and recommendation that were suggested by the research focusing on increasing accessibility and use of electronic journals by students and developing a comprehensive electronic information policy for assist in acquisition and selection process. Training of users on how to search and access electronic resources was emphasized. Lastly this chapter sums up the whole research project.