The Role of Information Searching Proficiency in Shaping E-Resource Utilization among Graduate Students in Christian Universities
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Date
2023-12-15
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International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP)
Abstract
The global shift to virtual libraries and widespread e-learning in tertiary institutions has notably increased electronic resource adoption in university libraries and information centers. To optimize e-resources use, the proficiency to effectively search for information remains a crucial factor in facilitating the research, learning, and scholarly accomplishments of graduate students. However, empirical investigations indicate that e-resources continue to experience suboptimal utilization. This study examined how the proficiency to search for information impacted the utilization of e-resources by graduate students in Christian universities in Nairobi County. The descriptive survey research design was used. The target population comprised 843 graduate students and 8 librarians. A 20% sample was taken for graduate students, resulting in 168 graduate students being selected using a stratified and systematic technique. All librarians were purposively picked for this study. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis and thematic presentation. The quantitative data, which was presented using tables, was analyzed using measures such as mean, frequencies, standard deviation, percentages, linear regression, and Pearson correlation. The findings indicated that graduate students demonstrated a high level of familiarity with search databases. Additionally, they exhibited considerable expertise in formulating search strategies and proficiently applying various search techniques. Furthermore, the findings revealed a positive association between searching for information and the utilization of e-resources. The results of the regression analysis confirmed that the proficiency to search for information significantly predicts 81.9% of the variation in the utilization of e-resources. The study concluded that the proficiency to search for information significantly shapes e-resource utilization among graduate students in Christian Universities. The study recommends prioritizing information retrieval training, enhancing the acquisition of e-resources, involving librarians in pedagogy, incorporating and evaluating Information Literacy (IL) courses into the curriculum, and facilitating academic and professional development.
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Kinoti, D. M., Gichohi, P. M., & Gatimu, W. (2023). The Role of Information Searching Proficiency in Shaping E-Resource Utilization among Graduate Students in Christian Universities: A Nairobi County Perspective. International Journal of Professional Practice, 11(6), 49–62. https://doi.org/10.1234/ijpp.v11i6.356