Influence of Information and Communication Technology Skills as correlates of undergraduates' use of Electronic Information Resources in Federal University Lokoja

Abstract

Electronic information resource is germane source needed for academic exercise of undergraduate students. The study raised four research objectives; concerning information and communication technology skills as correlate of undergraduates use of electronic information resources in Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 459 undergraduates’ students purposively sampled from three departments with 400 level undergraduate students, where one each were selected from the three faculties. However, out of 459 questionnaires distributed, a total of 425 were duly returned representing 93% respondents. Findings revealed that electronic databases were the highest type of electronic information resource used, closely followed by online reference work. However, E- book management system (calibre) was the least utilize types of electronic information resources known to the respondents. The findings from the study revealed that most of the undergraduate students possessed low ICT skills in the study area. The findings further showed that the lecture hall and home were the major points where undergraduates in Federal University Lokoja accessed and use electronic resources more than the university library. Frequent downtime of server and lack of search skills were the major constraints to use of electronic information resources by undergraduates in Federal University Lokoja. It is recommended amongst others that there is need for library management in the study area to promote library services by raising awareness about the library offerings through various channels, such as social media, newsletters, and campus events. Also, the library management should implement a robust monitoring system to promptly identify and address any potential issues before they result in server downtime.