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University of Nebraska - Lincoln University of Nebraska - Lincoln
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Summer 6-2-2021
Use of Electronic Information Resources in a Special Library in Use of Electronic Information Resources in a Special Library in
Ethiopia Ethiopia
Isabel Schellnack-Kelly Dr
University of South Africa
, isabelskelly@gmail.com
Williams E. Nwagwu
willieezi@gmail.com
Frehiwot F. Dubale
UNECA, Ethiopia
, willieezi@gmail.com
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac
Part of the Information Literacy Commons
Schellnack-Kelly, Isabel Dr; Nwagwu, Williams E.; and Dubale, Frehiwot F., "Use of Electronic Information
Resources in a Special Library in Ethiopia" (2021).
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
. 5805.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5805
Open Rubric
1
Use of Electronic Information Resources in a Special
Library in Ethiopia
Abstract
The study was undertaken to investigate the utilisation of electronic information resources of the
UNECA library in Addis Ababa Ethiopia and the challenges faced by the different users. A
quantitative research method with a sample survey research design was applied. A population of
600 users, of which 500 were internal users (UNECA and United Nations agencies staff members)
and 100 were external users (researchers, students, or non-staff members). 20% from each category
was taken as a sample. An online questionnaire was distributed through email to collect data. The
total response rate was 74%. The results showed that 92% of the respondents were aware of the
availability of the electronic resources of the Library. 94% found the electronic resources useful.
84% confirmed that the resources were easy to use. High numbers of the respondents positively
agreed that the quality of their outputs and performances have improved as a result of these
resources. The challenges associated with the resources include information overload, access
restriction with IP address, lack of training and remembering login credentials. 68% reported that
the library services met their expectations. The study recommends the development of strategies
for enhancing accessibility and discoverability of the resources, providing information literacy
trainings for all users, and finding alternative measures for IP restriction access.
Keywords: electronic information resources, special library, Ethiopia, UNECA, information
behaviour
Introduction
The world is changing and becoming predominantly digital in all aspects. Libraries are part of this
change – they are operating in the digital era, and are compelled to deploy electronic information
resources that serve users more than ever before. The demands, expectations and requirements of
libraries are changing as they struggle to cope with the changes that are occurring in the wider
society (Patra 2017). As part of this global change, the United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa (UNECA) Library has been using electronic information resources to serve its users.
When information is stored in, and accessed through a digital format, such information can
be considered as an electronic resource. Many libraries contain electronic resources which are
accessible digitally within the library or remotely. According to Haridasan & Khan (2009),
electronic information resources are “… resources in which information is stored electronically
and which are accessible through electronic systems and networks”. The resources include:
journals in electronic formats, e-dissertations e-conference proceedings, e-books and other
resources stored and accessed digitally. Electronic information resources are also denoted as “e-
resources”, “digital resources” or “digital collections” (Patra 2017).
These digital information resources are easy to search and retrieve and are able to serve
many users seamlessly. Patra (2017) has shown that libraries have begun to increase their budget
to acquire digital information resources as they have proved to be more beneficial in creating
convenient access and easy retrieval of information; digital technologies support relative
comprehensiveness of information items of interest, simultaneous accessibility by multiple users
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and online browsing and improved searching. Searching could be by keyword and other devices,
all of which saves time, increases work productivity and make knowledge sharing simpler. Dadzie
(2005) highlighted that convenience to access any information from anywhere, at any time, without
visiting a library are a significant advantage of using electronic information resources. Staff
members of UNECA and other library users have the opportunity to use the library resources from
their offices or anywhere. Users of the library deserve adequate and latest information regarding
the services and products of electronic information resources relevant to their interest and area of
work. The UNECA Library recognizes the value of electronic information resources and has been
acquiring electronic information resources for its clients.
The digital era has altered the information-seeking behaviors of users. Das & Achary
(2014) stated that in order to satisfy the changes in the way users seek information and their
information needs, libraries are changing the way they undertake collections, and they are more
concerned with the quality and relevance of the electronic information resources they subscribe to
or acquire. However, just knowing what electronic resources available in a library is not sufficient.
However, the usefulness of these resources depends on the awareness of users of the resources as
well as the skills required to search, identify, access and use them. The degree to which the users
know the existence and availability of electronic information resources is essential. Adeleke &
Nwalo (2017) acknowledge the importance of awareness, as this will encourage users to appreciate
and use electronic information resources more frequently. Creating awareness is seen to be a
crucial aspect to encourage the utilization of electronic sources.
UNECA Library is a special Library, a type of library described by Ard & Livingston
(2014) as “…created by businesses, associations or even government agencies to support the
information needs and work of the organization”. The UNECA Library, is intended to catalyze the
effectiveness of UNECA by providing staff members with reliable access to high-quality
information resources and services (UNECA 2019). In order for UNECA staff members to conduct
multi-sectoral research and analysis, they need to use electronic information resources. There is a
link between using electronic information resources and enhanced performance. Olanrewaju
(2019) affirmed that using electronic information resources supported critical aspects of users’
academic work, provided greater access, and enhanced performance. To identify, discover and use
e-resources, greater level of awareness about the resources and information literacy skills are
required.
Objectives of the study
The objectives of this article are to:
• investigate the of electronic information resources in the UNECA library;
• determine the perceived usefulness of the electronic information resources in by the
UNECA library are;
• determine the perceived ease of use of the electronic information resources provided
by the UNECA library;
• examine the factors that affect the utilisation and access of electronic information
resources in the UNECA library;
• make recommendations to enhance access and utilisation of UNECA library electronic
information resources.
Theoretical Framework
There are different models that have been developed by researchers in relation to information
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seeking behavior. In this study two models, namely Wilsons model and Technology Acceptance
Model.
Wilson’s Models of Information Behaviour Research
Wilson has developed models to study information seeking behavours. These are Wilson’s 1981
and Wilson’s 1996 (Wilson 1999). Wilson’s model forms a conceptual framework that highlighted
the need to study information seeking behavior (Al-Suqri 2011). Wilson’s model of 1981
suggested that when there is an information demand to satisfy, an information user starts to seek
information and this is where the information seeking behavior begins. The demand and search
might be successful or unsuccessful after searching with formal information system sources or
other sources. However, the search continues until the perceived need is fully or partially satisfied
(Wilson 1999). The 1981 Wilson’s model was later revised in 1999. Information seeking behavior
consists of the active search, as well as information processing and use (Wilson 1999). The model
included barriers for information seeking behaviours as intervening variables; it also included
activating mechanism encompassing stress/coping theory, risk/ reward theory, and social learning
theory.
Technology Acceptance Model
In 1989, Fred Davis developed a theory known as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This
theory explained how perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of new technology determine
information and communication technologies usage (Davis 1989). Technology Acceptance Model
(TAM) is a model that is used to explain factors that determine attitude towards using newly
introduced systems and their impacts on their acceptance (Adeoye & Olanrewaju 2019).
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) examines the factors affecting users towards the decision
to use new technology (Durodolu 2016).
In the field of library and information science, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is popular
in assessing and demonstrating factors affecting applying a new technology (Adeoye &
Olanrewaju 2019; Ani 2013; Mardis, Hoffman & Marsha 2008). The two most important variables
of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) are, “Perceived Usefulness” (PU) and “Perceived
Ease of Use” (PEOU) (Davis 1989). The two variables are defined as follow: PU is “the degree
to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance his or her job
performance”. Whereas PEOU is “the degree to which a person believes that using a particular
system would be free from effort” (Davis 1989). According to Adeoye and Olanrewaju (2019),
using a new technology or an application depends on the impact it has on performance or the effort
required to perform an action. In relation with this study, users can decide to use electronic
information resources or not by weighing the benefit to enhance their performance or access all
the information they needed with less effort. The relationships between performance and the use
of ICT can be explained by the concept of perceived usefulness. If a person perceived that the use
of information system contributes to a better performance, they tend to prefer and use it.
Adeoye and Olanrewaju (2019) applied TAM in their study to evaluate how Lead City
University’s library, in Ibadan, Nigeria, use of electronic information resources. The results of
their study show that students perceived the usefulness of electronic information resources for their
academic tasks to be positive. According to the study by Adeoye and Olanrewaju (2019), users
tend to use electronic information resources because they perceived it to be user friendly as
compared to other library resources in order to obtain the relevant information to their job or study.
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The second variable in TAM is Perceived ease-of-use (PEOU). Ease is defined as “freedom from
difficult or great effort” and PEOU is “the degree to which a person believes that using a particular
system would be free from effort” (Davis 1989). There is a link and preference by users between
use and easiness. Davis (1989) conducted a study to compare the usefulness-usage relationship
with the ease of use-usage relationship. According to Davis (1989), the study proved that
usefulness was significantly linked to usage than ease of use. In other words, users tend to use
technology more when they think it is more useful than it is easier.
In relation to the ease of use, the study by Adeoye and Olanrewaju (2019) confirms that
users find it effortless or easy to search and retrieve information from the electronic information
resources provided by their library. Mardis, Hoffman and Marsha (2008) examine theoretical
models and frameworks like TAM to understand ICT adoptions and their use in schools. Ani
(2013) applied Technology Acceptance Model to study the link and connection between
accessibility and utilization of e-resources and recommended increased investment in ICT facilities
in the surveyed universities to promote increase in accessibility and utilization. Technology
Acceptance Model further embraces the impact of external variables that affect the attitude towards
its use. The external variables are principals of the attitudes towards the use and usage of
technology (Durodolu 2016). These external variables refer to the quality that is outside of an
individual, for example, training, computer experience, quality of systems (Durodolu 2016).
Literature Review
Special Library
According to Murray (2013), a special library is “any library that doesn’t fall into the academic,
public, or school categories, or any library with a specialized collection or “…a special library is
not a separate entity, but ‘exists as an integral part of a highly specialized kind of organisation
whether it be an industrial corporation, research, or service institution, a trade association, a
government agency or a museum” (Murray 2013). Special libraries identify, collect, analyse,
organise, and disseminate information exactly the same way as other libraries. The services
provided, common skills required, challenges and problems they encounter; impacts of technology
are the same as academic or public libraries. Special libraries share concerns with more general
academic, public, and school counterparts as they all provide information resources to meet
peoples’ needs. However, special libraries have unique characteristics that relate to the complexity
of the communities they serve. Special libraries can therefore learn from the general literature on
libraries. Practitioners in general libraries can also learn from the experiences and methods of
special libraries (Ard & Livingston 2014). Weaver (2012) listed some of the features of special
libraries. The features are its special collection, the customer it serves, size and the heterogeneity
of the community. Weaver (2012) also said that the customers of special libraries target the
organization more than individuals outside.
Electronic Information Resources
The practice of using electronic information resources in libraries started in the mid 1960’s with
the emergence of the Machine-Readable Cataloguing (MARC) (Hawthorne 2008). Around the
same time, libraries provided the bibliographic databases. In the 1970’s, libraries started to have
access to data sets. Then, in the in the 1980’s, with the acquisitions of data on diskettes and
software by libraries, electronic information services started by providing databases with full text
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in CD-ROMs to the users (Hawthorne 2008). The emergence of World Wide Web, in the mid-
1990s, resulted with an improved electronic information services provided by libraries to their
clients. According to Hawthorne (2008), following World Wide Web, services like full-text
databases, bibliographies, electronic journals, Web-based catalogs, electronic serials, and
electronic books were available to users. Some of the challenges for using the databases during the
1980’ and 1990’s were difficulties in identifying and locating relevant resources, having different
interface, moving searches from one source to another, and high cost of e-books reader (Hawthorne
2008). Since then, the emergence of electronic information resources highly increased in volume
and demanded a mechanism to manage.
In the early 2000s, electronic information resources management systems (ERMS) was
introduced to expand information sharing and keep track of the full life-cycle of electronic holdings
(Verminski & Blanchat 2017). The life cycle for identifying, acquiring, processing, and managing
electronic information resources is different and time consuming for librarians when it is compared
with print collection. Verminski and Blanchat (2017) described the process for print resources as
once purchased, claimed, processed, and ready to be used by users. On the other hand, electronic
information resources have nonlinear, repetitive, and ongoing lifecycle. There are different terms
used interchangeably with electronic information resources. To mention some of them are
electronic resource, digital resource, digital collection, e-resources and electronic information
resources can be anything that is not printed, and available in an electronic format, including CD-
ROMs. For the purpose of this study, electronic information resources refer to the subscribed
journals and databases that are listed on the UNECA library website. This includes the Institutional
Repository (IR) of UNECA, e-books, e-journals, statistical databases, as well as additional online
resources; such as, a portal known as Access to Scientific and Socio-Economic Knowledge in
Africa (ASKIA), and electronic or digital UN regional resources. These resources have been
selected and subscribed to by the librarians and are available and accessible on the library’s
website.
Use and Access of Electronic Information Resources
Convenience, ease of accessibility, unlimited and unrestricted time or location, and saving of
physical spaces pushed libraries and users to shift towards the electronic information resources.
Electronic information resources could be any information that is not in a printed format but
available in digital formats, that can be accessible through the internet, from CD-ROMs, databases,
digitally born e-books, e-magazines, e-journals, and any resource available electronically.
Libraries have started to scan and digitise their print collections so that users can access digital
formats of the resources as they understand the benefits of electronic information resources.
Studies show that libraries also shifted to buy more electronic information resources because of
their benefits. Adeleke and Nwalo (2017) highlighted that due to the impact of ICT on libraries,
there was a push to acquire and provide services using these electronic information resources.
In view of the benefits, importance, and increasing use of electronic information resources
in libraries; many researchers have studied and examined the extent and pattern of use of electronic
information resources in libraries (Adeoye & Olanrewaju 2019; Adeleke & Nwalo 2017. These
studies indicated that libraries are acquiring more electronic information resources for the benefits
of easy access to information, comprehensiveness, getting authoritative and reliable information
on a timely manner, accuracy, accessibility and convenience.
Information seeking behavior of users have changed through time to search and get access
to a large volume of information to meet users’ information need. Electronic information resources
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can be searched and found through freely available sources from the internet like searching google
or through a library subscription to get scholarly reviewed and authenticated resources. According
to Appleton (2006), internet resources are categorized as ‘freely available’ and ‘scholarly
resources’. Addisalem (2016) studied Unisa postgraduate students located in Ethiopia regarding
their utilization of electronic information resources. This study highlighted that electronic
information resources were preferred for ease of access, availability, and accessibility. This study
indicated that the respondents were using both printed and electronic information sources.
However, the study demonstrated that most of the respondents agreed that easiness,
accessibility and availability, handiness, up-to-date, trustworthiness, and appropriateness of
electronic information resources were reasons why majority of respondents preferred to access and
use electronic information resources. The option of getting different formats of information
resources, accessing fast, reliable and wide range of information resources, having unlimited and
multiple access to information without geographical restrictions in a short period of time were the
advantages opinionated by four different university students of Karnataka state (Hadagali,
Kumbar, Nelogal & Bachalapur 2012).
A study conducted by Adeoye and Olanrewaju (2019) regarding Lead City University
Library’s use of electronic information resources, indicated that the electronic resources were
useful and easy to use for any academic task as the resources were flexible in terms of searching
for information as compared to paper-based resources. Moreover, these resources are accessible
from anywhere and at any convenient time. They also indicated that electronic information
resources can be easily used to obtain the required information. According to this study 74% of
the respondents positively affirmed the use of electronic information resources and how they eased
their job. The respondents mentioned that their job would be difficult to perform without library
electronic information resources Adeoye and Olanrewaju (2019). Dadzie (2005) showed that to
access information without any geographical and physical location restrictions, to get current and
latest information, to explore additional resources and extensive links, electronic information
resources are vital research tools. The study by Dadzie (2005) highlighted users’ preference to
electronic information resources at which the findings reported convenience in accessing
information from anywhere, at any time without visiting the library. The study discovered that the
first attempt of finding information is through internet, using electronic information resources.
When libraries introduced web-based services for instance, e-books and e-journals in
the1990s, and since then, accessibility of electronic information resources was well received by
library users and they should not go to any library to do their research (Hawthorne 2008). Larson
(2017) discussed the importance of electronic information resources and studied the level of
awareness, as well as usage of these resources. Saving time, increase productivity and sharing
information easily were some of the benefits of using electronic information resources (Patra
2017). Using electronic information resources is flexible and more accessible because searching
and accessing the same information from the same source by multiple users at the same time is
possible; it is also possible to search using simple keywords, it is possible to play around and
search through various search engines; it is possible to search, browsing, scanning, retrieve online
(Patra 2017).
Ekwelem, Okafor & Ukwoma (2009) studied the increase use of technology and EIS in
everyday life and found that most users are familiar with EIS as a traditional collection. The
frequency of using this particular electronic resource is higher, as it is found to be simple to utilize
for obtaining relevant and latest information. Ozoemelem (2009) also revealed that there is an
increased use of electronic information resources by library and information science students than
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the print collection, despite the challenges and factors that hinder the efficient usage of the
electronic information resources. All respondents of the study use electronic information resources
with a high frequency level. Montgomery and King (2002), as cited in Tenopir (2003) quoted why
libraries prefer digital collections “… digital journals can be linked from and to indexing and
abstracting databases; access can be from the user’s home, office, or dormitory whether or not the
physical library is open; the library can get usage statistics that are not available for print
collections; and digital collections save space and are relatively easy to maintain”.
There are different reasons why users prefer to use electronic information resources. Some of
them are, they are ease in terms of searching; possibility of copying, saving, or printing resources
without any restriction. Other reasons include validity of information, convenient to access, and
the ability to instantly share articles with their peers (Palmer & Sandler 2003; Sathe, Grady &
Giuse 2002). According to Stewart (2000), electronic information resources are easier to use
because of their strong searching convenience and capability, speed, completeness, and their
ability to accommodate many people at a time. Vicente, Crawford and Clink (2004) reported that
electronic resources are more time saving than print resources for their respondents. Studies and
evidences are showing that there is a strong drive to using more electronic information resources
than print resources. Generally, for many users, electronic information resources are more exciting,
unique, storage and retrieval is easy, more efficient and flexible (Macdonald, 2001). A study
conducted by Macdonald, Heap and Mason (2001) indicated that utilising electronic information
resources had brought some new opportunities such as preference, variety of options for searching,
and easily accessing information whenever required.
Information Needs and Information Seeking Behavior
The advancement of IT in libraries, emergence and use of electronic sources, accessing and using
different electronic databases such as e-books, e-magazines, and the likes have greatly changed
information need and seeking behavior by researchers or library users. These changes directly
affect or change the way users search and identify information sources. Information need is the
way we try to know what information or input we want to do something. The operation of
accessing information has changed globally due to the change in information accessing formats
and electronic networks (Kadli & Kumbar 2013). Currently, whenever we want any digital
information, the first source that comes to mind is Google search or any other searching database
in our library than referring to any card catalogue which we do not find in many libraries now. The
internet makes information available freely (Kadli & Kumbar 2013) which changed the
information need and seeking behavior of users in Libraries. Folorunso (2014) conducted a study
which discovered that majority of the respondents ‘always’ check what is available on the internet
and other on-line reference sources. Social science scholars studied by Al-Suqri (2011) indicated
that the availability of online and electronic information resources has changed their information
seeking behaviour.
Information need in its direct meaning is the demands and wants for information. “When
considered from a task performance point of view, information needs are the requirements for
information as they are necessary to fulfil a task” (International Organisation for Standardisation
(ISO) as cited in Blom 1983). “The term ‘information need’ does not necessarily imply that people
are ‘in need of’ information as such, but that the use of information can lead to the satisfaction of
a more basic need” Wilson (1981). Factors that affect the way users search information are level
of knowledge about the information sources and/or information content, accessibility, quality, cost,
timeliness and trustworthiness (Du Preez 2008).
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Krikelas (1983) defines information-seeking behavior as “… any activity of an individual
that is undertaken to identify a message that satisfies a perceived need” (Krikelas 1983). In other
words, information seeking behavior is initiated by information seeking and it involves the actions
someone has taken to satisfy the information need. According to Wilson (1999) information
behavior is “activities a person may engage in when identifying his or her own needs for
information, searching for such information in any way, and using or transferring that
information”. Kadli and Kumbar (2013) described information seeking behaviour as the way
people identify, locate, find, search, organise, and use the information they are looking for
whenever necessary.
Information seeking behaviour “involves a set of actions that an individual takes to express
information needs, seek information, evaluate and select information, and finally use this
information to satisfy his/her information needs” (Das and Achary 2014). In the digitized era, the
way information is organized and retrieved is different from the traditional ways (Kadli & Kumbar
2013). In a nutshell, the information seeking behavior is the approach users take to identify, search,
and retrieve specific information from different formats currently available using different
methods. Therefore, it is desirable to understand sources available to start the search, the way to
search in different databases, the way we download or access the resources to satisfy our
information needs. Before the emergence of IT in libraries, information seeking behavior was
completely different from what it is now. In the present-day context, searching the card catalogue
might not be the first approach to look for an electronic database. Knowing what information is
required for an identified problem leads to the question of how to retrieve or obtain information.
Therefore, information seeking behavior always follows the need to satisfy information need.
Al-Suqri (2011)’s study on the information seeking behavior of scholars in the social
science field indicated that users followed different stages to search and retrieve information.
According to Al-Suqri (2011) the stages included initiation where the users had their ideas about
what information they would be looking for, what out puts to expect and their different searching
strategies that they would apply. The next stage was exploration where the scholars refer and
consulted different electronic information sources available. Then monitoring, categorizing,
sifting, resource selection, collecting the information and ending the search comes. These stages
covered checking for latest information and relevant resources, classify what format they would
refer, skimming the relevant resources after identified them before the selection and collection of
the resources (Al-Suqri 2011). The searching ended with the scholars’ outputs that were depended
on their information seeking behavior skills applied (Al-Suqri 2011).
Das and Achary (2014) studied the information demands and the way users seek electronic
information resources for nine traditional universities and three research institutions. The study
distributed 600 questionnaires to participants who were selected using random method of
sampling. The paper reported that participants use more than one library tools to access
information from various information sources. The results revealed that the way and procedures
users follow to search has changed as the information sources have been broadened. The study
collected data on users’ information seeking behaviour and revealed that the current information
and research articles users seek information. Mostly, participants preferred electronic information
resources, followed by text books, and then reference books. Folorunso (2014) summarised that
the rise of digital resources, electronic databases, digitally born materials are most likely to have
impact and change the way users search for information. This development has changed users’
information seeking behavior. Libraries are now building relationships with their users using
technologies such as Facebook, Flicker, blogs, and Twitter.
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Users Preference of Electronic Information Resources
Institutions are converting their collection to digital or electronic format as users’ preferences are
shifting to electronic information resources as they have become convenient, time saving, easy to
share or use. For instance, Western Illinois University library in the United States converted most
of its print-only serials subscriptions from 2003 to 2009 to be accessed digitally only or any print
resources that encompassed electronic access (Matlak 2010). The UNECA library digitised its
publications since 1959, to afford users convenient and timely access to all users around the world.
Collection development is also giving emphasis and attention to electronic information resources
worldwide. Larson (2017) reflects on the importance of electronic information resources as ‘a
backbone’ for academic libraries. Unlike print collections, electronic information resources are
noted to be more advantageous.
Access to electronic information resources has changed the information seeking behavior
of users. To access information, users are not no longer expected to visit libraries if they can
connect to the internet using their devices at the comfort of their homes or personal spaces. Moyo
(2017) studied third year Unisa students regarding their electronic resources awareness and usage.
Moyo (2017) indicated in the study that majority of the respondents agreed on the advantage of
using electronic information resources. The study found out that 72.2% of the respondents make
use of these important electronic library resources even if there are challenges students face when
using them (Moyo, 2017).
A study conducted by Folorunso (2014) on Nigerian Institute of social and Economic
Research discovered that majority of scholars are users are more enthusiastic of electronic
information resources and they relayed on these resources heavily than print resources. The
respondents indicated that the scholars use electronic information resources highly (Folorunso
2014). The study by Folorunso (2014) however, recommended the need to create more
opportunities to enhance access to electronic information resources in order to meet users’ research
needs.
Challenges to Utilise Electronic Information Resources
Studies disclosed that users prefer to use electronic information resources and have already started
to use the resources to access library services. Libraries have also advanced from printed
collections to electronic information resources recognizing the many advantages and convenience
that come with using electronic information resources. However, despite of the many advantages,
there are also challenges that users encountered that limited the efficient and maximized use of
electronic information resources. Just to name but a few, the challenges include lack of knowledge
or shallow level of awareness on the availability of the resources, not being familiar with the
resources, infrastructure to access them digitally, information overload, and users’ orientation
towards them.
Awareness of Availability of Electronic Information Resources
The degree of your knowledge about the availability and existence of electronic information
resources in your library plays a very crucial role in using the resources efficiently. Adeleke and
Nwalo (2017) acknowledge the importance of the awareness of availability of electronic
information resources provided by your library since it will encourage users to appreciate and
utilise the resources more and easily. Creating awareness about the available resources to the
clients should be a crucial aspect in terms of encouraging the users to utilise the sources
10
confidently.
Several studies done by for instance (Adeleke & Nwalo 2017; Larson 2017; Moyo 2017;
Kwadzo 2015; Das & Achary 2014; Kwafoa, Osman & Afful-Arthur 2014; Ozoemelem 2009;
Ibrahim 2004; Majid & Tan 2002) highlighted the degree of awareness about the electronic
information services provided by your library is an significant factor in enhancing and maximizing
the use of electronic information resources. The studies supported also unawareness was equally
highlighted as a major factor to hinder to the maximum use of valuable electronic information
resources
Larson (2017) conducted a study on 210 students at the University of Ghana in Legon to
explore the level of awareness and use of e-resources provided by the Library. In this study, 75%
of the participants knew the availability of the electronic information services provide by the
Library. The study further revealed that participants were familiar with the different databases.
The author concluded that awareness could provoke and elicit the high level of usage of the
electronic information resources. Bajpai and Sharma (2017) conducted a similar study on users’
awareness of electronic information resources and found that more than 80% of participants were
aware that there are search engines, e-journals, and e-books. Kwafoa, Osman and Afful-Arthur
(2014) assessed the use of electronic information resources at the University of Cape Coast in
Ghana, which indicated that 92% of the respondents were aware of the existence of electronic
information resources provided by the institution. The study conducted by Kwadzo (2015) on the
graduate students of University of Ghana reported that 94% of the respondents were aware of the
electronic information resources. Hadagali et al. (2012) studied four different Universities in
Karnataka state regarding the use of electronic resources and their findings indicated that 61.70%
of the users know the about the availability of the resources. However, according to this study, the
researchers indicated that more proper orientation should be given to the users to enhance the
awareness level. 53.79% of the respondents knew about the availability of the electronic resources
provided by trial and error than 14.48% from guidance from library staff or training offered by the
library (Hadagali et al. 2012).
There are studies that indicated, majority of their respondents were not informed or not
aware of the electronic information services provided by their Library. For instance, the study
conducted by (Mayo 2017) revealed that not having the information about the availability of the
electronic information services provide by the library were mentioned as a challenge faced by the
users. Ozoemelem (2009) also proved that users may not have been exposed to library sources, or
their level of awareness regarding services available at libraries and how to access the services,
were very low. The findings of the focus group study at the University of Tennessee in the United
States by (Tenopir 2003) also indicated that majority of the students did not know in detail what
electronic information resources the library offered. Intensifying awareness campaigns is
necessary to enhance the utilisation of electronic information resources (Adeleke & Nwalo 2017).
After studying the use of information sources, Das & Achary (2014) recommended that awareness
and training programs for electronic information resources should be run from time to time so that
users are well informed of services available to them and use them to a maximum advantage.
Methodology
The researcher used quantitative approach to describe the current status for access and utilization
of electronic information resources provided by the library and explore if there are any challenges
faced by the user. The researcher used primary data to draw generalised conclusion about the use
of electronic information resources for the UNECA library. For this research, the non-experimental
11
quantitative research approach was chosen, under which survey method was used to access a
sample at a cross-sectional time frame, to investigate the use of electronic information resources
by UNECA library users.
According to O’Dwyer (2014), a population “…includes all individuals or groups that
possess the characteristic that the researcher aims to investigate.” The registration database of
users in the library has information about internal users namely staff members of the organization
who use the resources. Staff members include staff of UNECA and UN Agencies. There are also
external users, that is, non-staff members who use the library resources. They include: researchers,
students, retirees or meeting and conference participants. This study investigated both internal and
external users of the library. At the time of the study, there were 500 registered internal users and
100 external users. Thus, the total population for the study was 600 users of the UNECA library.
The selected 20% sample size (100) from the target population of the internal users, and sample
size (20) from the target population of the external users.
A total of 120 web-based questionnaires were send through to users’ email. The web-based
questionnaire was designed and distributed using survey monkey, with a brief introduction about
the researcher, explanation on the purpose of the research, and reasons why the respondents were
selected. Informed consent was also sent through to the study participations. The link to the survey
was sent with the message through email to randomly selected users.
The questionnaire was prepared based on the research objectives to answer the research
questions of the study. The web-based questionnaire contained a cover letter with a brief
description about the purpose of the study, consent to participation for the study. The researcher
prepared 13 questions in the questionnaire in order to address the research questions (Refer to
Appendix I). The types of questions are open ended, close ended, ranking, number ranking, and
scaling. The study used the same questionnaire for both internal and external users. The questions
were based on the initial scale items for perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use developed
by Davis (1989). The initial scale used by Davis (1989) was worded in reference to electronic
mail system. However, the researcher modified the worded scale to electronic information system
and changed the items accordingly to suit the objectives of the study. The questionnaire has six
sections, namely; user profile information, information about the services of the library, sections
regarding usefulness, easiness, satisfaction, challenges and demanded services for
recommendations. Prior to formulating the questionnaire, the researcher examined previous
studies on the use of electronic information resources. For the full detail of the question used in
this study please see appendix I.
Data Analysis and Presentation of Results
The results of the survey are presented as follows: demographics of respondents, level of
awareness, access and use of e-resources, perceived usefulness and easiness of the electronic
information resources, the effects of utilising electronic information resources on performance,
challenges of using UNECA electronic information resources and recommendations to enhance
usage of the resources.
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents
It was observed that from the total questionnaire distributed for both internal and external users,
the response rate was 84 (70%). Table 1 shows the overall response rate.
Table 1 Distribution of respondents by category
12
Description
Internal (N=100)
External (N=20)
Total (N=120)
Frequency
%
Frequency
%
Frequency
%
Responses
66
66
18
90
84
70
Non-responded
34
34
2
10
36
30
Total
100
100
20
100
120
100
The analysis of the results indicated that out of a total of 84 responses 53(63.1%) were male and
31 (36.9%) were female. In both clusters, majority of the respondents are male.
Table 2 Distribution of respondents by gender
Gender
Internal (N=100)
External (N=20)
Total (N=120)
Frequency
%
Frequency
%
Frequency
%
Male
39
59.1
14
77.8
53
63.1
Female
27
40.9
4
22.2
31
36.9
Total
66
100
18
100
84
100
Availability of Electronic Information Resources in UNECA Library
Respondents were asked if they are aware of the electronic information resources provided by the
UNECA library and their answers are indicated in the table 3. The analysis of the responses shows
that 92.3 % of the total population or 91.4% of internal users and 93.3% of external users are aware
of the electronic information services provided by the UNECA Library.
Table 3 Awareness about availability of Electronic Information Services
Awareness of
availability of EIS
Internal (N=100)
External (N=20)
Total (N=120)
Frequency
%
Frequency
%
Frequency
%
Yes
53
91.4
14
93.3
72
92.3
No
5
8.6
1
6.7
6
7.7
NR
8
3
11
13
Total
66
100
18
100
84
100
Types of Electronic Information Resources available to UNECA Library users
There are different electronic information services provided by the UNECA library to serve its
clients. This question sought to know how frequently the scholarly databases are accessed and
utilised. The respondents were asked: Which of the following Electronic Information Services
provided by the UNECA Library do you use frequently? The results in Table 4 indicate that all
resources are accessed and utilised by the users. The most frequently used Electronic Information
Services are e-journals (59.2%), the Institutional repository (55.3%),
Internet access (
47.4%),
E-
Books (
46.1%),
subscribed online databases (Pro Quest, Ebscohost, Emerald
(40.8%). This
finding indicated that there is variation between internal users and external users. For the Internal
users, the Institutional Repository and E-journals are highly consulted. However, for the external
users, Internet access and E-journals are highly accessed and consulted.
Table 4: Frequently used Scholarly Databases
Scholarly databases
Internal
(N=100)
External
(N=20)
Total (N=120)
13
Freq
%
Freq
%
Freq
%
Subscribed online databases (Pro
Quest, Ebscohost, Emerald)
29
47.5
2
13.3
31
40.8
Open Source Online Databases (Google
Scholars, AJOL
21
34.4
7
46.7
28
36.8
E-Journals
36
59.0
9
60.0
45
59.2
E-Books
29
47.5
6
40.0
35
46.1
Library website
28
45.9
5
33.3
33
43.4
Institutional Repository
37
60.7
5
33.3
42
55.3
Knowledge portals like ASKIA
17
27.9
1
6.7
18
23.7
Internet access
27
44.3
9
60.0
36
47.4
Others
2
3.3
1
6.7
3
3.9
NR
5
3
8
9.5
Frequency of use of Electronic Information Resources
Respondents were asked how frequent they used the electronic information resources provided by
the UNECA library. The results in Table 5 indicate that 27 (35.1%) of the respondents use the
resources at least once or twice a week. This was followed by once a month 19 (24.7%) and
everyday 17 (22.1%). There are 7 (9.1%) respondents who indicated that they use the electronic
information resources whenever the need arises.
Table 5 Frequency of using Electronic Information Resources
Frequency of use
Internal (N=100)
External (N=20)
Total (N=120)
Freq.
%
Freq.
%
Freq.
%
Everyday
16
25.8
1
6.7
17
22.1
At least once or twice a
week
18
29.0
9
60.0
27
35.1
Once a month
19
30.7
0
0.0
19
24.7
Once every 6 months
5
8.1
1
6.7
6
7.8
Once a year
0
0.0
1
6.7
1
1.3
Others
4
6.5
3
20.0
7
9.1
NR
4
3
7
8.3
Utilisation of Electronic Information Resources
The results in Table 6 indicate a list of scholarly databases and electronic information resources
which are frequently utilised. The respondents were asked the question: Which of the following
Electronic information resources /Scholarly Databases do you use frequently? All the resources
are utilised by both internal and external users frequently. However, the range varies from high,
medium, and low usage. As indicated in, among all the resources, highly utilised resources are:
The Economist (47.3%), African Journals Online (AJOL) (32.4%), JSTOR (31.1%), Ebscohost
(27%), Sciencedirect (28.4%), Financial Times (25.7%), World Bank e-library (25.7%), Emerald
Insight e-resources (24.3%), Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) (21.6%), OECD Library (21.6%),
Proquest Central (18.9%), and Wiley Online Library (18.9%). Other resources are utilised from
10% to 15 % of users. For instance, EconPapers, Safari Online Library, Cambridge Journals
14
Online, Oxford Journals Online, Oxford Journals Online, OSO e-books, Econlit and UN ILibrary.
Other resources such as CIAOnet, Global Economic Monitor (GEM), and contemporary women’s
issues, North Africa Journal, Gale and Project Muse have low utilisation rate by internal users and
none by external users.
Table 6 Utilisation of Scholarly databases and Electronic Information Resources
Electronic Information Resources
Internal
Users %
External
Users %
Total %
African Journals Online (AJOL)
33.3
28.6
32.4
Cambridge Journals Online
16.7
7.1
14.9
CGIAR Virtual Library
11.7
7.1
10.8
CIAOnet
8.3
0.0
6.8
Contemporary women’s issues
3.3
0.0
2.7
Ebscohost
28.3
21.4
27.0
Econlit
13.3
7.1
12.2
EconPapers
13.3
21.4
14.9
The Economist
48.3
42.7
47.3
Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU)
21.7
21.4
21.6
Emerald Insight e-resources
26.7
14.3
24.3
Financial times
28.3
14.3
25.7
Gale
3.3
0.0
2.7
Global Economic Monitor (GEM)
8.3
0.0
6.8
JSTOR
33.3
21.4
31.1
Nature.com
11.7
14.3
12.2
North Africa Journal
6.7
0.0
5.4
OECD Library
21.7
21.4
21.6
OSO e-books
15.0
7.14
13.5
Oxford Journals Online
13.3
21.4
14.9
Project Muse
3.3
0.0
2.7
Proquest Central
20.0
14.3
18.9
Safari Online Library
13.3
14.3
13.5
ScienceDirect
26.7
35.7
28.4
Taylor and Francis Online
10.0
21.4
12.2
UN ILibrary
11.7
14.3
12.2
Wiley Online Library
18.3
21.4
18.9
World Bank e-library
28.3
14.3
25.7
Others: Please specify
6.7
7.1
6.8
NR
6
4
10
Total
60
14
74
Place of access
Respondents were asked about the location from where they access UNECA electronic
information resources. Table 7 shows that 59.52% of the respondents access and utilise the
resources within the UNCA library. On the other hand, 40% of the respondents access and utilise
15
the resources remotely. To make it clear, remotely in this context refers to any location in the
UNECA compound. As indicated in the introduction part the resources are accessed within
limitation of the IP address of the organization. Beyond this IP address the resources are not
accessible.
Table 7: Place of access to the electronic Information Resources
Where do you
access e-
resources
Internal users
External users
Total
Freq
%
Freq
%
Freq
%
In the UNECA
Library
35
53.0
15
83.3
50
59.5
Remotely
31
47.0
3
16.7
34
40.5
Total
66
100
18
100
84
100
Challenges to use UNECA Electronic information resources
Users have indicated different challenges that they faced when using electronic information
resources. As indicated in the literature review, some challenges included lack of digital literacy
skills, not being aware of the resources provided, slow internet connectivity, information overload,
logging credentials, lack of knowledge and skills including information literacy, and lack of
training by the librarians. The challenges were measured by eleven (11) items.
Expectations about Electronic information resources
Users were asked to rate their expectations of the electronic information services provided by the
library. They range from 0 (Lowest) to 5 (Average), and 10 (highest). The findings on Table 12
show that the majority (23.7%) of the respondents rate the service average. However, 92.1% of
the respondents indicated that the electronic information resources provided by the library meets
their expectation either on average or more than average. This means that the UNECA Library
meets the expectations of its clients above average for both internal and external users.
Table 8 Challenges of the Electronic Information Resources
Rating for expectation
Frequency
%
1
0
0.00
2
2
2.63
3
2
2.63
4
2
2.63
5
18
23.68
6
4
5.26
7
14
18.42
8
15
19.74
9
8
10.53
10
11
14.47
NR
10
Total
76
100
16
Concerns about electronic resources in the library
Respondents were asked to express their concerns, suggestions, and recommendations at the end
of the questions in order to improve the services provided by the UNECA library. There were
37.5% (n=45) concerns and recommendations, which are highlighted in Table 8.
Table 9: Concerns about electronic resources in the library
Frequency
Percentage
Resources are underutilized;
18
40
Users are aware the availability of the resources however not
clearly know the depth of the collection;
25
55
There are too many databases that makes searching difficult;
18
40
The resources are difficult to search and access;
9
20
Not able to use the resources from home or mission
25
55
Users prefer to use google search than subscribed resources
20
44
Many databases not relevant to the UN
7
15
Create Library Marketing and promote the electronic resources
and products using the different platforms the library manages;
15
33
Train users on how to use the resources, how to do develop
query and then Searching requires skill (Give information
literacy skill)
10
22
Create awareness about the different electronic resources and
products
15
33
Create a mechanism to access resources remotely by using UN
login credentials on home computer or while travelling on
mission
10
22
Improve IP limitation range
12
26
Conducting users information needs analysis before
subscription
12
26
Fort the staff (librarians) e-resources management training
would help to better serve the users.
8
17
Customized and selected service provision would help to avoid
information overload and time-consuming exercise to filter
relevant information/documents.
14
31
Provide 24/7 online reference services
5
11
Discussion of Findings
In order to use the available electronic information services provided by the UNECA library, users
should know whether the resources are available or not. Awareness is critical because it is one of
factors that could enhance or hinder the level of access and use of the resources. The findings from
the study showed that majority of the respondents (92.3%) from both internal and external users
of UNECA library are aware of the availability of the resources. These findings coincide with the
study conducted by Larson (2017); Kwafoa, Osman and Afful-Arthur (2014); Bajpai and Sharma
(2017); and Kwadzo (2015).
Following awareness, additional information was collected from the users to find out about
17
the volume of utilisation and accessing the electronic information services. Majority of the positive
responses indicated that all electronic information resources provided by the Library are frequently
accessed, consulted and utilised. As the findings indicate, all resources are accessed and utilised
well by both the internal and external users. E-journals, the Institutional repository,
Internet
access, E-Books, and Subscribed online databases such as ProQuest, Ebscohost, Emerald…
are highly accessed, consulted and utilised. There is a variation between internal users external
users. The study indicated that the Institutional Repository and E-journals are highly consulted by
the staff and internal users of the Library. However, for the external users, internet access and E-
journals are highly accessed and consulted. This finding concurs with the study of Bajpai and
Sharma (2017) and Hadagali et al. (2012).
The study tried to capture and shed some light on the different scholarly databases that are
subscribed or freely accessible as electronic information resources that are compiled and listed on
the library websites to be accessed with IP access restriction. The findings of this study indicated
that the top ten databases that are highly used were, The Economist, African Journals Online
(AJOL), JSTOR, Ebscohost, ScienceDirect, Financial times, World Bank e-library, Emerald
Insight e-resources, Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU), and OECD Library. The least or hardly
used databases were CIAOnet, Global Economic Monitor (GEM), Contemporary women’s issues,
North Africa Journal, Gale, and Project Muse.
Although the list is not a full representative of all libraries, there are similar studies on the
high use of Ebsco host, Science Direct, and Emerald. Such studies were conducted by Atakan
(2007); Kwafoa et al. (2014); Larson (2017). The findings of this research will be helpful to the
library institutions as it will shed some light on what decision they need to implement to provide
better and improved information electronic information resources. It will also act as a guidance for
library officials to take informed decisions to users in terms of reviewing their subscription
services to better serve their users. There is further need to create more awareness campaigns
regarding their library services.
The question of the frequent usage of library resources by library users yielded the
following findings: 35.1% of the respondents use electronic library resources once or twice a week,
22.1% of the users use library electronic information resources every day, another 24.7% reported
that they use electronic information resources once in a month, 8% indicated that they use
electronic information resources occasionally or whenever there is a need. According to Moyo
(2017), 81% of the respondents indicated that they use the electronic information resources daily,
weekly, and monthly.
Respondents were also asked the location from where they usually access the resources as
access to electronic resources by UNECA Library is limited to IP range. The finding indicated that
59.5% of the respondents access electronic information resources at the library, and 40.5% access
electronic information resources remotely. However, there is a significant difference between
location of access between the internal users and external users. Majority of external users 83.3%
(n=15) access electronic information resources in the library and 16.6% (n=3) access them
remotely. For internal users the difference is not significant because users are not necessary be in
the Library to get the resources as long as they are in the IP range of the organization. This proves
that since the resources are limited to IP range, external users are forced to use within the Library.
This cause a restriction on the convenience of accessing electronic resources anywhere any time
The study revealed that the electronic information resources provided by the UNECA
library are highly useful for the respondents. Majority of the users positively affirmed the
usefulness of the electronic information resources. The findings shows that, the resources are
18
useful because they save time, improve their outputs, make it easier for users to obtain information
and facilitate their research work, and the services allowed them to access different materials at
the same time, wherever they are, and created the opportunity to obtain latest, up-to-date and
relevant information.
The findings of this study concurred with the study conducted by Adeoye and Olanrewaju
(2019), in which it was revealed that the respondents’ affirmed the use of electronic information
resources as useful. Moreover, it was revealed that electronic information resources helped users
to accomplish tasks quickly, saved their time, enhanced their performance, improved quality of
outputs, and finding relevant resources easily. These findings further confirm the same finding in
the study conducted by Dadzie (2005). Al-Suqri (2011) also agreed that using electronic resources
made research much easier, faster and overall improved the quality of their research for Social
Science scholars. This is further confirmation that electronic information resources are useful, easy
to use, flexible and easily accessible from wherever one is accessing them from.
The findings of this study revealed that electronic information resources provided by the
UNECA library are simply and easy to use. Overall, majority of the respondents positively
affirmed the perceived easiness of using the electronic information resources. Library users
indicated that electronic information resources are easy to search and retrieve sources needed or
required. Users find it easy to use electronic information resources than print collection, as they
find them less frustrating and hardly confusing. Also noted as easier to use by majority of users, is
Google search engine. This study confirmed other findings by other studies such as Adeoye and
Olanrewaju (2019). In addition, it was revealed in this study that an overall of 74% users find
electronic information resources useful, less frustrating, and hardly confusing. The findings
support Komba (2013), which revealed perceived easiness and use of electronic information
resources.
The findings of this study proved that for majority of the respondents, using electronic
information resources provided by the UNECA Library has increased their productivity on their
research. Additionally, it also indicated that the use has improved quality in their research, as well
as efficiency and effectiveness in research. Overall, access and use of Electronic Information
Resources provided by the UNECA library users showed significant improvement in the
production of work. This result corresponds with the study conducted by Ani (2013) which proved
the direct relationship between using electronic information resources on increasing productivity.
There are different challenges that hinder the maximum use of electronic information
resources. The analysis of the results in this study indicated four major challenges faced by the
UNECA library users, namely; lack of training from UNECA library officials on the usage of
resources, limited IP address access, information overload, and the challenge of remembering all
the login credentials for different online databases. Other challenges included issues related to
inadequate digital literacy skills, lack of awareness campaigns on services available for users, slow
internet connectivity to access library electronic information resources, time consumption in
searching and using electronic information resources.
However, not all users experienced all the challenges. Only 18.9 % expressed inadequate
literacy skills, 21.7% indicated lack of awareness campaigns on the available resources at libraries,
a portion of 31.6% reported on slow internet connection, and 27.4% agreed that using these
resources is time consuming and the searching and retrieval skills about the databases is required
to comfortably search and retrieve the information demanded from the electronic information
resources. The issue of information overload, problem with login and password correspond with
the findings of studies conducted by Moyo (2017) and Adeleke and Nwalo (2017).
19
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Author Biography
Williams E. Nwagwu is an Associate Professor of Information Science in the Department of
Information and Data Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He specialises in science
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communication, scholarly publishing and scientometrics/bibliometrics, and teaches courses that
include information behavior and knowledge management. He is a Research Associate in the
Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, and has
held visiting fellowships in several universities including the University of Western Ontario,
Canada; Duke University, Arlington Northern Carolina, USA and University of Washington,
USA. An author of over 100 papers in accredited journals and over 30 conference papers in
proceedings, Williams is on the editorial board of South African Journal of Library and
Information Science, and World Journal of Sustainable Development. Until March 2019, Williams
was the Head of Knowledge Management at the Council for the Development of Social Science
Research in Africa (CODESRIA) based in Dakar Senegal. Contact: Phone: +2345030494806.
Email: willieezi@ yahoo.com
2. Frehiwot Dubale is a librarian in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Library, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
3. Isabel Schelnack-Kelly is a senior lecturer in the department of Information Science,
Pretoria, University of South Africa
