GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE AWARENESS AND USE OF ELECTRONIC DATABASES FOR LEARNING BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITIES IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated gender differences in the awareness and use of electronic databases for learning by undergraduate students of universities in Katsina State, Nigeria. The objectives of this study are to find out the gender difference in the level of awareness of electronic databases and the gender differences in the use of electronic databases for learning in university libraries in Katsina State. Two null hypotheses were formulated and tested. Namely: There is no significance difference between male and female undergraduate students in their level of awareness of electronic databases in university libraries in Katsina State and there is no significant difference in the Use of electronic databases between male and female undergraduate students for learning in university libraries in Katsina State. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The population of the study consisted of all the 35,308 undergraduate students from the Umaru Musa Yar'adua University Katsina, Alqalam University, Katsina and Federal University Dutsinma respectively. A sample size of 378 students was selected through stratified disproportionate sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, and reliability testing through a pilot study yielded a high overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.90, indicating strong internal consistency. The study revealed significant gender differences in the awareness and use of electronic databases among undergraduate students in Katsina State universities. Male students showed higher awareness and usage of both free and subscribed databases. Male students were more familiar and engaged with electronic databases, indicating a gender gap in effective access and utilization for learning. It is recommended that university libraries should implement targeted awareness campaigns that engage both male and female students through a combination of formal and informal channels, including workshops, awareness drives, and peer-led programmes, to bridge the gender gap in database awareness. Libraries should promote broader use of electronic databases especially among female students byhighlighting their value beyond assignments, such as for exam preparation and personal research.