Factors influencing the use of e-library resources by postgraduate engineering students at Kyambogo University in Uganda

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the use of e-library resources among postgraduate engineering students at Kyambogo University in Uganda to make suggestions on how to improve access to and use of e-library resources. The study adopted a survey research design to collect data from postgraduate engineering students. Following a census sampling strategy, data was obtained from 58 out of 80 registered postgraduate engineering students using online self-administered questionnaires. The findings revealed that the use of e-library resources by postgraduate engineering students was influenced by ease of use, convenience, level of awareness, and information search skills. However, access restrictions and high internet costs negatively affected e-library resources usage. It is the conclusion of the study that the use of e-library resources was largely influenced by personal factors. This study has implications on e-library resources collection development, policy development, and service delivery in academic libraries. The study bridges the knowledge gap in the use of e-library resources among postgraduate engineering students.