Awareness and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Academic Staff of Two Medical Colleges in Nigerian University

Abstract

This study was to determine faculty’s knowledge, access and use of e-resources, both in terms of numbers, frequency and identify the areas of training needed by faculty to utilize e-resources effectively and efficiently. Descriptive survey method was adopted for the study. The population comprised of lecturers in the two medical colleges of University of Ibadan and University of Lagos. The study instruments were questionnaire, observation and interview methods. Findings revealed that faculty were quite knowledgeable about the e-resources available at the two Colleges of Medicine (Ibadan and Lagos) averaging 80%. The major reason for using electronic resources was for communication CMUL (89.2%), CMUI (91.5%). Other reasons for the use of electronic were for research CMUL (78.3%), CMUI (76.8%), and teaching CMUL (74.7%), CMUI (67.1%). Limited access to some resources (60.2%), inadequacy at meeting information needs (58.5%) and unstable internet connectivity were the major causes of non use of electronic resources by the academic staff of the colleges. It is recommended that parent institutions should view the investment on the purchase/subscription of resources as well as ensuring that physical facilities like provision of power and computer hard and soft wares as essential and worthy investing if these university medical colleges are to achieve and remain world class medical colleges.