Search

Purpose -- This paper aims to describe the use of electronic resources and services provided at the social science library of Jimma University, Jimma. The paper is focused to find out the use of those resources by the students of information science and how frequently they are using, from where the information is accessed. Also, they have been requested about their preferences between an electronic and print journal format. Design/methodology/approach -- The questionnaire method is used for collecting the data from the undergraduate students of information science (2015/2016 batch). The questionnaire was distributed to 182 students, and the response rate 81.32 per cent was encouraging. Findings -- It has been found that the usage of e-journals is increasing; this is due to awareness among the students of information science about the e-resources and services. Owing to an easy access available at various places in the university, they are accessing these resources at hostels and departments more as compared to the library. Their visits to library have decreased. Research limitations/implications -- The study has been limited to Jimma University undergraduate students of information science only Practical implications -- It suggests for future improvised solutions. Originality/value -- The present paper will help other institutions to understand the need for library electronic resources and motivate them to update their resources in the larger interest of the students. The paper also indicates how a suitably designed survey can show the awareness and use of types of information services, in this case, e-journals. There is a dearth of such studies in India and abroad. The methodology and findings can be applied to other libraries to reveal similar trends, as well as comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper is part of the study that was conducted to analyse the LIS postgraduate e-resources seeking behaviour in Makerere University, Uganda. Its purpose is to present and discuss specifically the problems LIS postgraduate students face in accessing e-resources. Design/methodology/approach - Survey research techniques were used in which the data collected using structured questionnaires were carefully handled and analysed using the Excel computer program to generate the frequencies, percentages and pie charts. Findings - The respondents have positive attitudes towards e-resources utilization and they indicated varied problems faced in e-resources utilization and proposed different strategies to improve on e-resources in the University. Among the problems identified are: slow Internet connectivity, inadequate networked computers, lack of access to low cost printers in the library, using advanced search strategies of most databases and lack of awareness of most of the e-resources. Originality/value - Without knowing exactly what is wrong with a system, it becomes very difficult to plan and execute meaningful strategic measures to mitigate the problems. This study will help library planners and LIS educators to rethink on how to improve on e-resources access and utilization. It will provoke new thinking to revamp the situation in the University library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this article is to provide tips for electronic collection development for libraries with a meager budget. Design/methodology/approach — The information provided in this article is based on research on electronic collection development practices and the author's experience with electronic resources at small and large university libraries. Findings — There are many useful electronic resources available for free because of the open access movement. Old ideas such as consortia and negotiating still help to keep costs at a manageable level for libraries. Practical implications — Libraries will be able to maintain or reduce the costs they are spending on electronic resources, but still retain sources that fulfill their collection needs. Originality/value — This paper combines new and old ideas and resources for electronic collection development into a short and easy-to-follow source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This article seeks to suggest that pedagogical forums published in two major professional associations' publications can contribute to the literature on collection for academic historians. Design/methodology/approach — The author surveys the literature on historians' information needs and surveys articles published in the pedagogical forums for what they reveal about historians' use of electronic resources. Findings — The forums provide useful bibliographic information regarding e-resources for faculty and collection officers alike; additionally, they provide a useful starting point for discussions of desired learning outcomes, leading to better support for teaching/curricular needs. Research limitations/implications — Findings are limited to academic historians and are also skewed toward US historians, since more articles on e-resources appeared in the forum dedicated to US-historical pedagogy than in the forum encompassing historians of all areas. Practical implications — Similar research could be done on pedagogical forums in other academic fields. Originality/value — This paper examines a field's pedagogical methodology to draw conclusions about collections management for that field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]