scholarly journals Perceived Impact of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) On effective retrieval of information resources by postgraduate students in Benue State University, Makurdi

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
pp. 25-36
Author(s):  
Tofi Simon Ternenge ◽  
Tarbo Nguwasen Dorcas ◽  
Agor Cornelius Terwase ◽  
Tyopev Comfort Member
Keyword(s):  
Search Strategies ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Public Access ◽  
State University ◽  
Internet Connectivity ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
University Library ◽  
Perceived Impact ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
The University

ABSTRACT The study investigated the perceived impact of OPAC on effective retrieval of information resources by postgraduate students in Benue State University, Makurdi. The study looked at the perceived impact of OPAC on effective retrieval of information resources, purpose of utilizing OPAC by postgraduate students, search strategies used by postgraduate students for effective retrieval of information resources, challenges as well as strategies to enhance the use of OPAC by postgraduate student for effective retrieval of resources. Five (5) objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was made up of 38 postgraduate students who are registered with Benue State University Library. However, the census sampling was adopted for the study due to the small nature of the population. The instrument for data collection was self-structured questionnaire titled “Perceived Impact of OPAC on Information Retrieval Questionnaire” (PIOPACIRQ) which was validated by experts and a reliability coefficient of 0.947 was obtained. Data was collected and analyzed using frequent count and means. Findings of the study revealed that, there is a high perceived impact of OPAC on effective retrieval of information resources by postgraduate students in Benue State University, Makurdi. Finding also revealed that, postgraduate students in Benue State University, Makurdi utilize OPAC for various purposes such as to know the available resources in the university library, to locate books by author, title and subject, assists in obtaining books from the university library, among others. Finding also revealed the search strategies used by postgraduate students for effective retrieval of information resources in Benue State University Makurdi to include by author, title, subject and edition. The study further revealed the challenges hindering the use of OPAC for effective retrieval of information resources in Benue State University, Makurdi to include: lack of skilled library professionals to assists students, lack of orientation from library staff, lack of time to retrieve the vast information, slow internet connectivity speed, among others. Findings finally revealed some key strategies to enhance the use of OPAC for effective retrieval of information resources by postgraduate students in Benue State University, Makurdi which include: employment of skilled/competent library staff, need to design user-friendly OPAC template, improvement of internet connectivity speed, and organizing user education program to orientate postgraduate students on the use of OPAC, among others. Recommendations were also made based on the findings of the study.

scholarly journals Undergraduates’ awareness, use and satisfaction with online public access catalogue (OPAC) of Benue State University Library, Makurdi, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 58-68
Author(s):  
Comfort Member Tyopev ◽  
MurpyTersoo Igbudu ◽  
Akuhwa Ver
Keyword(s):  
Information Resources ◽  
Public Access ◽  
State University ◽  
Library Management ◽  
University Library ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Orientation Training ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey

The purpose of this paper was to determine the extent towhich undergraduates atBenue State University are aware of the OPAC, the extent of usage, the level of satisfaction derived from the usage and challengesencountered in the use of OPAC in the universitylibrary. The study was guided by four specific objectives and four research questions. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The populationconsisted of 9,864 undergraduate who registered with the library during 2017/2018 academic session. The sample sizewas 384 undergraduate students.Data was collected through a self-structured questionnaire.The data collected were analysed using frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Thefindings revealedthat most of therespondents-232 (60.4%)-were not aware of OPAC services,only 152 (39.6%) respondents indicated theirawarenessof OPAC in retrievingneededlibrary materials. The study also showedthat the extent of OPAC use by undergraduateswas to a low extent and the students were dissatisfied with OPAC services; thattheundergraduates encountered several challenges which led to the low usage and dissatisfaction with the OPAC ofthe Benue State University Library. The study concludedthatthe creation of the OPACwas to facilitate retrieving information resources that had been acquired and organisedby the university library. However, poor awareness, improper orientation/training of studentsamong others have posedgreat challenge for its effective usage.The study therefore recommended that all the identified challenges be tackled by the university library management in order to enhance OPAC usage by thestudents.

scholarly journals Academics Perceptions of Electronic Resources at the University of Venda, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 424-428
Author(s):  
Alugumi Samuel Ndou ◽  
Wanyenda Leonard Chilimo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Federated Search ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
The University ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study examined the perceptions of academic researchers regarding electronic resources (e-resources) provided by the library at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), South Africa. The quantitative research approach and survey research design were adopted to conduct the investigation. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire randomly distributed to 45 UNIVEN academics. The findings of this study revealed that although academics at UNIVEN find e-resources easy to use, believe the resources improve academic performance, and frequently encouraged postgraduate students to use them, the majority of them had plagiarism concerns and were only moderately satisfied with available e-resources at UNIVEN. This study recommends that the university library should train academics on plagiarism detection. In addition, the library should adopt innovative ways of improving e-resource services, such as providing an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) with advanced and federated search capabilities.

scholarly journals International design collaboration and mentoring for tertiary students through Facebook

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josh McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
The United States ◽  
State University ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Penn State ◽  
The University ◽  
Industry Professionals

<span>This study explores the efficacy of the online social networking site </span><em>Facebook</em><span>, for linking international digital media student cohorts through an e-mentoring scheme. It reports on the 2011 collaboration between the University of Adelaide in Australia, and Penn State University in the United States. Over one semester, twelve postgraduate students in Australia and ten undergraduate students in the United States took part in an online mentor scheme hosted by </span><em>Facebook</em><span>. Students were required to submit work-in-progress imagery each week to a series of galleries within the forum. Postgraduate students from Adelaide mentored the undergraduate students at Penn State, and in turn, staff and associated industry professionals mentored the Adelaide students. Interaction between the two student cohorts was consistently strong throughout the semester, and all parties benefitted from the collaboration. Students from Penn State University were able to receive guidance and critiques from more experienced peers, and responded positively to the continual feedback over the semester. Students from the University of Adelaide received support from three different groups: Penn State staff and associated professionals; local industry professionals and recent graduates; and peers from Penn State. The 2011 scheme highlighted the efficacy of </span><em>Facebook</em><span> as a host site for e-mentoring and strengthened the bond between the two collaborating institutions.</span>

Micro factors influencing use of electronic information resources among postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning in Kenya

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha Ondieki Makori
Keyword(s):  
Return On Investment ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Electronic Information Resources ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
The University

Purpose – To purpose of this paper is to evaluate micro-factors influencing use of electronic information resources among postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning in Kenya, and suggest strategies to enhance and improve the utilization of these vital sources in the university learning environments. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses document or desk review analysis, professional opinions and ideas and case examples regarding utilization of electronic information resources. Findings – The study indicates how practices such as information literacy and learning skills, consultative or partnership meetings, use of portable brochures and guides, research, teaching and learning approaches, seminar and workshop trainings, public relations and attitudes influence the use of electronic information resources. Among the strategic measures that are instrumental for effective utilization of these vital knowledge resources, it is the ability to provide tailor-made programmes targeting postgraduate students and reaching out or going to where the students are through regular meetings and social media advertisements and announcements. limitations/implications – This study is confined to postgraduate students in institutions of higher learning inclusively using document review guides and case examples of utilization and non-utilization of electronic resources. Practical implications – Possible strategies and solutions that enhance and improve use of electronic information resources among the postgraduate students include the need to integrate the use of information communication technology in research, teaching, learning and community services of the university, provision of compulsory literacy programmes to the students and regular partnership meetings with the faculty members, librarians and postgraduate fraternity. Social implications – Widespread use of electronic information resources in universities is proof enough that the libraries are proactively involved in advancement and creation of knowledge among the postgraduate students. One critical aspect of electronic information resources is the ability to facilitate return on investment if only the materials are effectively and efficiently used in supporting the goals and objectives of libraries and universities. These result in higher customer satisfaction, and better return on investment, leading to increased use of information services in the universities. Originality/value – Institutions of higher learning including libraries and universities are in a new dispensation of modernity and post-modernity increasingly dependent on electronic or digital information systems. In the modern knowledge and learning environment, information professionals, postgraduate students and other stakeholders need to agree to the simple rule that electronic information resources are the backbone of academic services in universities perhaps more than ever before. In the academic and educational quest in universities, electronic information resources fundamentally supplements print materials because most universities lack the necessary technological infrastructure.

scholarly journals Information Seeking Behaviour of Students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria.

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-60
Author(s):  
Omobolanle Seri Fasola ◽  
Samuel Oladipo Olabode
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Interpersonal Relations ◽  
Private University ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Internet Connectivity ◽  
Electronic Search ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The University

The diversity in people account for how they seek information and this is what has prompted this study. This paper investigated the Information-Seeking behaviour of students of Ajayi Crowther University, a private university in South Western Nigeria. The survey research method was used and questionnaire administered to five hundred (500) students randomly selected from the three (3) faculties in the university. The data gathered from the questionnaire was analysed using the frequency count and simple percentage. It was discovered that majority of the students (66%) sought information for academic purposes and the library (62.8%) was their preferred place of searching and using information resources. Also, that their course of study (47.6%) influenced the format (55.4%) they want information in. Majority of the respondents (53.2%) also expressed satisfaction with the library for being able to meet their information needs. Recommendations were then made that the library should increase and improve its stock to meet the demands of the students, provide working internet connectivity to enhance ease of electronic search and databases and train its staff in interpersonal relations to improve staff- user relations. And lastly, that periodic user education should be carried out in the library to educate users on effective and efficient use of the library to get maximum satisfaction.

scholarly journals University Library as Knowledge Management Centre

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruslan A. Baryshev ◽  
Margarita M. Manushkina ◽  
Irina A. Tsvetochkina ◽  
Olga I. Babina
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Electronic Library ◽  
University Library ◽  
The University

The article discusses the transition to a new stage of civilization, the knowledge society. In the modern world, knowledge is one of the major socio-economic resources for both the individual and the state. Accordingly, the educational strategy of any higher educational institution should be refocused to ensure smooth transition from the traditional model to innovative in order to prepare the modern student for a life in the society where innovation and intellectual resources play the major role. The modern library can act as a control centre of knowledge, integrate with the world information resources and mediate for the user in global information space using the tools and mechanisms of the electronic library. In this regard, the e-library becomes a knowledge management centre focused on the development and maximum use of intellectual potential of library for the purpose of preservation, reproduction, building up and broadcasting of knowledge. The article analyses the opportunities which are given by electronic library for the University.The authors constructed the scheme of interrelation of knowledge and information resources. The article considers the concept of proactive electronic library of the University as a system of information service of readers, the main purpose of which is to provide resources in any form and on any carrier using the classical and network forms of services based on the advanced inquiry services. The authors constructed the model of proactive University library, which is a complex system, incorporating elements of various properties and complexity. The proactive electronic library itself searches for information corresponding to the information needs of the user, without waiting for his request; that can influence the development of his information needs. Thus, the library transforms from a passive storage of information into an interaction partner. Information is automatically selected for the user, relevant to his educational and scientific interests, hobbies and preferred leisure.

scholarly journals University Students Are Unaware of the Role of Academic Librarians

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Kirsty Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Critical Incident ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Information Commons ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Post Secondary Institution ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
The University

Objective – To discover students’ perceptions of information commons staff, and to determine how these perceptions influence the use of library resources. Design – Post-experience survey with one follow-up interview. Setting – The University of Sheffield, a post-secondary institution in England. Subjects – All undergraduate and postgraduate students were invited to take part. Just over 1% of the student population, or 250 students, completed the survey. Methods – Information about the survey was sent to students’ institutional email addresses. One follow up interview was carried out via email using the critical incident technique. Main Results – Students do not understand the academic roles of librarians. They are unlikely to approach library staff for academic support, preferring to turn to instructors, other students, friends, and family. Most students had positive opinions about assistance received in the Information Commons, but a small number reflected on previous bad experiences with staff, or on a fear of being made to feel foolish. The vast majority of students who did not seek help in the Information Commons stated that this was because they did not require assistance. Most students do not perceive a difference between Information Commons staff and library staff. Conclusion – Students have positive views of Information Commons staff at the University of Sheffield, but have low awareness of the roles of professional librarians. Librarians need to develop partnerships with academic staff and strengthen their presence in both physical and online learning environments to promote their academic roles.

scholarly journals Facilitating writing seminars

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Åsne Ø. Høgetveit
Keyword(s):  
Working Hours ◽  
Writing Groups ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
University Library ◽  
Work Habits ◽  
Seminar Participant ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The University ◽  
The Way

How can the University Library better accommodate for students and faculty who need practical help with getting their writing done and develop their work habits? For many involved in academia, students and staff alike, the crucial task of writing is also one of the most challenging. People struggle to get past the first sentence, because it is not quite perfect yet; it is difficult to find the time; they do not feel inspired to write right now, etc. A possible help for some is to participate in writing seminars. Such seminars can take on various forms, depending on the needs of the participants and the circumstances around them. Writing seminars provide a supporting framework by making writing a more collective act. Participants find that they are both held accountable and inspired by their peers in the seminar. Considering how simple and easy it can be to set up and arrange such seminars it is no wonder university libraries, writing centres etc. do this. But can we go beyond simply setting a time, booking a room, and posting a note about it? Based on my experience as a writing seminar participant and now University Library staff and seminar organiser I want to develop the way we facilitate writing seminars. Organising our own seminars limit the participants to a set time and location of our choosing, and have limited outreach. In addition, hosting a two hours seminar, say, weekly, may not be the best use of staff working hours. Instead, I would like to develop a writing seminar service where the library helps people who want to set up their own writing groups. This way we can reach more people and help establish customised writing seminars.

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