CHALLENGES OF USING ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH BY POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AT DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This article reports on a study that explored the challenges of using electronic information resources (EIRs) for academic research by post-graduate students at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Nigeria. The study used a structured questionnaire, distributed to 150 post-graduate students from the faculties of Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts, that is, 50 post-graduate students per faculty, and personal interviews were held with selected individuals within the institution to collect data. The central focus of the study was the post-graduate students’ access to EIRs; the current status of EIRs in their institution; how often they use these resources for academic research purposes; and above all, the challenges that they encounter when using EIRs. The findings showed that post-graduate students’ optimal use of EIRs at DELSU is hampered by limited access to some EIRs due to limited space, low bandwidth, and erratic power supply. It is, therefore, recommended that DELSU should provide adequate space and power supply and should address some of the issues deterring equitable access to EIRs. Development of an institutional repository and use of open access resources would also improve access to scientific and electronic information.