International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology

Research Institute for Knowledge Content Development & Technology (건국대학교 지식콘텐츠연구소)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

The usage of Electronic Databases in Academic Libraries in Ghana. The Experience of Ghana Communication Technology University Library (GCTUL)

  • Afua Frempong- Kore (Ghana Communication Technology University, Tesano Campus, Dept. of Library and Information Services) ;
  • Ameyaw Samuel (Valley View University, Oyibi Campus, Dept. of Library and Information Services)
  • Received : 2023.01.05
  • Accepted : 2023.05.21
  • Published : 2024.06.30
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

This study examines the use of electronic databases (e-databases) by faculty members of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU). The study used a descriptive research method. Copies of the questionnaire were used for the data collection. Due to the manageable population, no sampling method was used in this study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS 21.0) was used for data analysis. The results showed that most faculty members were aware of the availability of databases in the library. Additionally, the findings established that Emerald, as well as Taylor and Francis, were ranked highly in terms of availability and accessibility. The study identified problems such as difficulty in downloading information as well as poor internet connectivity. Based on the results, the study recommended that library management should address all the challenges that users encounter as soon as possible.

Keywords

References

  1. Adanu, T. (2019). Journal databases; academic; databases; research guides at the University of Ghana. https://libguides.ug.edu.gh/c.php?g=658231&p=4620940.
  2. Afolabi, T., & Taofeek, A. O. (2020). Information literacy skills, and availability of information resources as factors influencing research productivity of academic staff of Lead City University, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1, 17.
  3. Ahmad, A. E. & Mohammad, G. T. (2020). Faculty benefit from the electronic databases available at the University of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal: A case study at college of arts, department of library and information. Journal of Arabic Studies and Researches Libraries and Information Sciences, 7(13), 129-164.
  4. Anaraki, L. N., & Babalhavaeji, F. (2013). Investigating the awareness and ability of medical students in using electronic resources of the integrated digital library portal of Iran: A comparative study. The Electronic Library, 31(1), 70-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471311299146
  5. Ani, O., & Edem, N. (2012). Access and usage of online databases in Nigerian Universities in teaching/research. Library and Information Practitioner, 5(1&2), 475-486.
  6. Ansari, M. S. (2020). Use and awareness of e-resources among research scholars of literature subjects at Banaras Hindu University. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4667.
  7. Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., Sorensen Irvine, C. K., & Walker, D. (2018). Introduction to research in education (10th ed.). Boston: Cengage.
  8. Asamoah-Hassan, H. (2011). The Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH) - The journey so far. In: CARLIGH Conference, 1-14. http://ir.knustedu.gh/bitstream/123456789/1193/1/ CARLIGH- Preconference-
  9. Baro, E. E., Endouware, B. C., & Ubogu, J. O. (2011). Awareness and use of online information resources by medical students at Delta University in Nigeria. Library Hi Tech News, 28(10), 11-17.
  10. Bashurun, M., T., Abdulmumin, I., & Adisa, M. Y. (2017). User perception of electronic resources in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences, 2(11). http://csjournal.org/journal of computing/archive10/27011/Vol.2.pdf. 10/27011/Vol.2.pdf
  11. Bello, S. A., & Chioma, N. E. (2020). The globalisation of library and information services: An assessment of the level of ICT deployment in academic libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1, 19.
  12. Bernard, J. (2012). Perfecting Your Research Work. London: Unique Press.
  13. Bong, W. K., & W. Chen. (2021). Increasing Faculty's Competence in Digital Accessibility for Inclusive Education: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 1-17. doi:10.1080/13603116.2021.1937344.
  14. Case, O. D., & Given, M. L. (2016). Looking for Information: A Survey Research on Information Seeking, Needs and Behaviour (4th ed).
  15. Casselden, B., & Pears, R. (2020). Higher Education Student Pathways to Ebook Usage and Engagement and Understanding: Highways and Cul de Sacs. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 52(2), 601-619. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0961000619841429 https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0961000619841429
  16. Chukwusa, J. (2020). Blog technology: Constraints to implementation in public university libraries in Nigeria. Science and Technology Libraries, 39(1), 83-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/0194262X.2020.1714528
  17. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches. (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  18. Dehghani, N., Asnafi, A. R., & Hajizeinolabedini, M. (2018). A survey on using online database by faculty members and graduate students at Shahid Beheshti University. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal).1980. https://digitalommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1980.
  19. Eiriemiokhale, K. A. (2020). Frequency of use and awareness of electronic databases byuniversity lecturers in South-west Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 4106. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4106. 106
  20. Emmasiegbu, M., & Anaehobi, S. E. (2021). Challenges to using electronic databases by lecturers in a government-owned university in Anambra state, Nigeria. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5224.
  21. Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2020). Database, https://www.britannica.com/technology/database.
  22. Enis, M. (2018). Academic Survey: Print for Reading, 'E' for Research. Library Journal, 143(7), 14.
  23. Eyiolurunshe, T. A., Eluwole, O. A., & Aregbesola, A. (2017). Awareness, accessibility and use of library resources by faculty members of Landmark University, Nigeria. Information Impact. Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 8(2), 118-128. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/iijikm.v8i2.10.
  24. Gakibayo, A., Ikoja-Odongo, J. R., & Okello-Obura, C. (2013). Electronic information resources utilisation by students in Mbarara university library. Library Philosophy and Practices, http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/869.
  25. Gupta, D.K. (2011). Use pattern of print and electronic journals at the Kurukshetra University, India. Electronic library and information systems, 45(2), 213-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330331111129741
  26. Habiba, U., & Ahmed, S. Z. (2020). ICT infrastructure and access to online services: determining the factors affecting faculty satisfaction with university-subscribed resources. International Information & Library Review, 53(2), 112-130. doi: 10.1080/10572317.2020.1794204
  27. Habiba, U., Yesmin, S., & Akhter, R. (2022). Information behaviour of faculty members of NSTU, a public university in Bangladesh. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 42(1), 38-46. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.42.1.17177.
  28. Hendal, B. A. (2019). Kuwait university faculty usage and perspectives of reference management software, OALib, 6(8), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1105685
  29. Izuagbe, R., Olawoyin, O. R., Nkiko, C., Ilo, P. I., Yusuf, F., Iroaganachi, M., Ilogho, J., & Ifijeh, G. I. (2022). Impact analysis of e-Databases' job relevance, output quality and result demonstrability on faculty research motivation. Library Hi Tech, 40(5), 1402-1421. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-03-2020-0050
  30. Kumar, G. (2015). Awareness and usage of electronic databases by geography and resource development information studies graduate students at the University of Ghana. Library Philosophy and Practice, e-journal. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/121020. 1020
  31. Kwadzo, G. (2015). Awareness and usage of electronic databases by Geography and Resource Development Information Studies graduate students in the University of Ghana. Library Philosophy and Practice. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cicatricle=3241&context=libphilprac
  32. Kwafoa, P. N. Y., Imoro, O., & Afful-Arthur, P. (2014). Assessment of the use of electronic resources among administrators and faculty at the University of Cape Coast. Library Philosophy and Practice. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1094. 1094
  33. Larson, A. G. (2017). Faculty awareness and use of Library subscribed online databases in the University of Education, Winneba. Ghana. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 1515. http://digital commons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1515.
  34. Lawal, M. T. (2021). Awareness, availability and utilization of databases among undergraduate students of Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi Benue State. Library Philosophy and Practice. digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac
  35. Leonard, A., Hamutumwa, N. M., & Mnubi-Mchombu, C. (2020). Use of electronic resources by law academics: A case study from the University of Namibia. Collection and Curation, 39(3), 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/CC-06-2019-0017.
  36. Madukoma, E, Onuoha, U. D., & Ikonne, C. N. (2014). Electronic resources information behaviour of faculty members at Babcock university Alishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Information Trends, 11, 60-68.
  37. Mansour, E. (2017). An exploratory study into information seeking-behaviour of Egyptian beggars. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 49(1), 91-106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000615622679
  38. Mishra, M, Das, P., & Ramesh. (2019). A survey on health science researchers: their need and information seeking behaviour in the academic context. Library Philosophy and Practice. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphipractice/2346
  39. Mwantimwa, K., Elia, E., & Ndenje-Sichalwe, E. (2017). The utilisation of e-resources to support teaching and research in higher learning institutions, Tanzania. University of Dares Salaam Library Journal, 12(2), 98-123.
  40. Nassaji, H. (2015). Qualitative and descriptive research: Data type versus data analysis. Language Teaching Research, 19(2), 129-132. https://doi.org./10.1177/1362168815572747.
  41. Obiamalu, A. R, Ogungbeni, J. I., & Obuezie, A. C. (2021). Extent of awareness and usage of electronic databases by undergraduates in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies, 6(5), 12-20.
  42. Okiki. O. C (2012). Electronic information resources awareness, attitude and use by academic staff members of University of Lagos, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice. http://digitalcommons.unledu/lipphiprac/828.
  43. Okunoye, O. O. (2020). Awareness, access and attitude of postgraduate students towards use of electronic databases in two academic libraries in South-West Nigeria. Journal of Applied Information Science and Technology, 13(1), 257-264.
  44. Olorongbe, O., & Ibrahim, I. (2017). The use of electronic resources by academic staff at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. PNLA Quarterly.
  45. Onifade, F. N., Ogbuiyi, S. U., & Omeluzor, S. U. (2013). Library resources and services utilisation by postgraduate students in Nigerian private universities. International Journal of Library and Information Science, 5(9), 289-294.
  46. Online Encyclopedia Britannica (2019). Database computer science. https://www.britannica.com/technology/data-mining
  47. Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2010). Generalisation in quantitative and qualitative research: myths and strategies. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 47(11), 1451-1458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2010.06.004
  48. Prangya, D., & Rabindra, K. (2015). Access, awareness and use of electronic information resources by research scholars of Berhampur University: A study. American International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 3(2). http://iasir.net/AIJRHASSpapers/AIJRHASS13-271.pdf
  49. Priyadharshini, R., Janakiraman, A., & Subramanian, N. (2015). Awareness of the usage of e-resources among users at agricultural college and research institute, Madurai. European Academic Research, II (11).
  50. Robertson, F. (2015). Making a difference: where are they now? http://www.ressearch4Life.org/casestudies/geoffreysalanje/
  51. Sahu, H. K., & Singh, S. N. (2013). Information-seeking behaviour of astronomy/ astrophysics scientists. Aslib proceedings: New Information Perspective, 65(2), 109-142.
  52. Seale, J. K. (2014). E-Learning and Disability in Higher Education: Accessibility research and practice. (2nd ed). New York: Routledge.
  53. Shihab, I., & Mini, D. B. (2021) Use of e-journals among faculty members and research scholars of the university of Kerala. Journal of Library Development, 7(2), 25-42. https://doi.org/10.32344/jld/v7/i2/2021/25-42
  54. Sileyew, K. J. (2019). Research Design and Methodology. https://www.intechopen.com/books/cyberspace/research-design-and-methodology.
  55. Sivakami, N., & Rajendran, N. (2019). Awareness, Access and Usage of E-resources Among Faculty Members in Arts and Science Colleges. Library Philosophy and Practice. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/2549.
  56. Tella, A., Orim, F., Dauda, M. I., & Suleiman, A. M. (2018). The use of electronic resources by academic staff at the university of Ilorin, Nigeria. Education and Information Technologies, 23(1). https://doi.10.1007/s10639-017-9577-2
  57. Teymourikhani, A. (2017). Web-based citation1: A new metric for evaluating scientific Journals. IFLA WLIC. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0.
  58. Tiemo, P. A. (2017). Use of electronic information resource databases among lecturers and postgraduate students in university libraries in South-South Nigeria. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 5(2), 46-72.
  59. Toteng, B., Hoskins, R., & Bell, F. (2013). Use of electronic databases by law students at the University of Botswana library. African Journal of Library, Archival and Information Science, 23(1), 59-74
  60. Unegbu, V. E., Lawal-Solarin, E., & Ladan, M. U. (2017). Library resources availability and accessibility as determinants of undergraduates' library use in Lagos State University, Nigeria. Gateway Library Journal.
  61. Yap, J. B. H., & Lock, A. (2017). Analysing the benefits, techniques, tools and challenges of knowledge management practices in the Malaysian construction SMEs. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 803-825. https://doi.org/10.1108/jedt-07-2017-0067.
  62. Yap, J. B. H., & Skitmore, M (2018) Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 14(3), 218-238. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2017.1384714.