USE OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNDERGRADUATES IN UNIVERSITIES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper investigated the Influence of use of Electronic Information Resources and Academic Performance of Undergraduates of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka and Benue State Universities, Makurdi, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to: identify the types of electronic information resources and ascertain the purpose of use of electronic information resources. Two research questions were formulated in-line with the specific purposes of the study. The study adapted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of 9247 undergraduate registered library users. The sample size for the study was 370 registered undergraduates' library users using stratified proportionate sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed descriptively using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that electronic information resources such as e-books, e-journals, e- magazines etc were used by undergraduates. It also revealed that undergraduates used electronic information resources for the purpose of finding relevant information in their area of studies, writing their assignments and term papers. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that: the management of University Libraries should sustain the manner in which it acquires e-resources and makes them available for optimal use by undergraduates in order to improve their academic performance. This can be appreciated through user orientation programmes as well as marketing of university library resources through flyers, SDI services among others. Also, the management of University libraries should continue to improve and encourage undergraduates to use e-resources by providing services such as Selective dissemination of information (SDI), Current Awareness Service (CAS), exhibition etc. This could go a long way in enhancing academic performance of undergraduates in the study area and beyond. Finally, all ICT components that has to do with e-resources be provided to students as well as encourage those who are not conversant with use of e-resources to participate in various training programmes of the libraries.