Network Literacy and Utilization of Electronic Resources Among University Students: The Case of Kabarak University, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Owidi, Fredrick Omondi
Njoroge, Rose
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJCAB Publishing Group
Abstract
Libraries acquire and facilitate access to electronic information resources that support core
functions of universities they serve. Despite substantial investments by universities in
infrastructures and resources to facilitate access to electronic resources, studies have revealed
that these resources are at times not optimally utilized as expected. Network literacy is defined
as the knowledge of web-based information resources, ability to effectively use ICT tools to
access resources available online, ability to judge the relevance of information retrieved, and
capability to use computer-mediated communication tools to manage or utilize the accessed
information. The purpose of this study was to assess network literacy and utilization of
electronic resources among Kabarak University students in Kenya and consequently provide
some insight into usage of networked resources at the university. Objectives of the study
entailed assessing users’ awareness of internet applications and utilization of electronic
resources; assessing users’ awareness of Social Networking Sites (SNS) and utilization of
electronic resources, establishing the levels of user awareness of electronic resources
available at Kabarak University, evaluating users’ competencies in using electronic resources
and establishing challenges encountered in utilizing electronic resources at Kabarak
University. The study was anchored on the Digital Library model that depicts users’
interaction with networked environments, taking into consideration the various systems
involved. The study was undertaken at Kabarak University main campus library. Stratified
sampling was used to segregate students and librarians whose opinions were also sought on
matters covered by the study. Simple random sampling was used to select students for the study
while purposive sampling was employed to select resourceful librarians for the research. The
study adopted a descriptive research design and used an approach where qualitative and
quantitative data were gathered using a set of structured questionnaires that contained open
and close ended questions based on objectives that guided the study. The questionnaires were
first pilot – tested at Moi University Eldoret Town campus to determine their validity and also
subjected to Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test to determine that acceptable internal reliability
levels were attained. These questionnaires were then directly issued to the selected
respondents. Analysis of the collected data was done using the Statistical Package for Social
Science (SPSS) software version 23 and thereafter, responses arranged in themes as
appropriate. Frequencies and percentage distributions were used to highlight patterns in the
data and facilitate interpretation. Among the findings was that students were aware of
existence of electronic resources though some of them were not aware of what these electronic
resources entailed specifically, and that among the greatest challenges they faced in using the
electronic resources were slow internet connectivity speeds and inadequate points of accessing
the internet. The study also established that the library relied majorly on orientation to sensitize
students on electronic resources. Reinforcement and regularly conducting orientation
programmes were recommended as a means of promoting network literacy at the University.
Description
An Article Published in International Journal of Current Aspects
Keywords
User Awareness of Internet Applications, User Awareness of Social Networking Sites, User Awareness of Electronic Resources, Users’ Competencies in Using Electronic Resources, Challenges Encountered in Utilizing Electronic Resources
Citation
Owidi, F., & Njoroge, R. (2021). Network Literacy and Utilization of Electronic Resources Among University Students: The Case of Kabarak University, Kenya. International Journal of Current Aspects, 5(2), 21-35. https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v5i2.162