A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INTERNET AND LIBRARY USAGE FOR ACADEMIC EXERCISE AMONG STUDENTS OF IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY OKADA, EDO STATE

Abstract

This research studied the level of usage of the Internet and Library for academic purposes among undergraduate students of Igbinedion University, Okada. The growing trend on Internet browsing among students and the use of library necessities inquiry into the level of its usage, for there seems to be conflict between the time and effort devoted to positive educational uses of the Internet and Library. The research sought to find out whether students use the Internet mainly for academic purposes, whether the consult the library to read intellectual books or for other reasons and factors affecting the decision of using the library over the Internet or the Internet over the Library. Educators and librarians have unique interest in regard to the information superhighway. Some believe that students should be given a map and allowed to zoom on to new horizons. Others are concerned that the rush to jump on the Internet will lead to traffic jam in education. The survey method was used in collecting data, 58 copies of questionnaire were administered using the systematic and convenience technique out of which 54 copies of the questionnaire were retrieve and found useful to answering the research questions and objectives of the study. Findings from the research show that, the respondents have favorable perception of the importance of both Internet and Library use in relation to their academic activities although the preference of Internet over the Library was high. This is as result of scarce and outdated materials in the library. Based on these findings, it was recommended that there is need for professional development in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education and learning for better enhancement of the students’ academic performance.