PATTERN OF UTILISATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN THE DIGITAL AGE BY POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIA USING PREFERRED REPORTING ITEMS FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND METAANALYSIS (PRISMA) APPROACH

Abstract

Postgraduate students are intensive users of scholarly information, yet their physical engagement with academic libraries has declined due to technological, temporal, and infrastructural shifts. This study examines patterns of academic library utilisation by postgraduate students in the digital era through a systematic quantitative literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Table 1 summarizes 12 representative studies out of 42 selected studies while the rest maintained the 42. Relevant empirical studies were identified, screened, and analysed to highlight trends in library use, focusing on factors such as technological competence, information literacy, infrastructural reliability, and perceived resource relevance. Findings indicate a strong preference for remote and digital access over physical library visits, driven by time constraints, availability of electronic resources, and user-friendly digital interfaces. Key challenges include limited ICT skills, inconsistent internet connectivity, and inequities in digital infrastructure. The study highlights the need for hybrid library service models that integrate digital and in-person support to meet the evolving needs of postgraduate students. Recommendations include investing in robust infrastructure, embedding structured information literacy programmes, and ensuring equitable access to resources. These strategies are essential for sustaining effective library utilisation and supporting postgraduate research and learning in Nigeria's digital academic environment.