Demographic and Institutional Factors Influencing Utilisation of Online Library Services by Distance Learners in the University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of demographic and institutional factors on utilisation of online library services by distance learners of the University of Nairobi. Specifically, the study aimed at achieving eight objectives: viz. examine the influence of learners’ gender on utilisation of online library services; determine the influence of learners’ age on utilisation of online library services; assess the extent to which learners’ computer literacy influences utilisation of online library services; establish the influence of learners’ awareness of availability of online library services on utilisation of online library services; asses the influence of learners’ programme of study on utilisation of online library services. The study was anchored on the positivist research paradigm. Descriptive survey and correlation research designs were adopted for this study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and interview schedules. The target population consisted of 1671 learners in the School of Open and Distance Learning and 14 librarians found in the University of Nairobi namely Kikuyu Campus, Chiromo Campus and the main library Campus (The Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library). The sample size was 312 respondents. A pre-test study was conducted using 31 learners and 1 librarian. This constituted 10% of the study sample. The researcher tested for the inter-item reliability of the instruments using Cronbach’s Alpha and results ranged from 52.5%-95.8% for learners’ questionnaires while that of librarians recorded 69.8%. Data analysis were done using frequency counts, the mean and standard deviation while hypothesis was tested using multiple linear regression analysis; one way analysis of variance at 0.05 level of significance. The key finding indicated a significant relationship between learners’ gender and utilisation of online library services (r = 0.345, R2 = 0.119, n=259, ρ<0.05). Factor analysis using KMO test of validity gave a figure of 0.806 meaning the data was highly valid since the threshold is normally 0.5.Only one component factor explained 60% of the total variance implying that there was only one principle component extracted which was digital repository at 0.849.The study further revealed a significant positive linear correlation between age and utilisation of online library services (r = 0.366, R2 = 0.134, n=259, ρ<0.05). The ANOVA test gave F-statistics of 2.294 meaning 22.94% of the model fits linear line therefore, has been explained thus the model fits interpretation. The finding indicated no significant relationship between computer literacy and utilisation of online library services at (r = 0.234, R2 = 0.055, n=259, ρ<0.05). The analysis obtained an F statistic of 0.854 meaning 85.4% of the model fits a linear distribution; hence, has been explained; thus, therefore, model fits interpretation. The study concludes that demographic and institutional factors influence utilisation of online library services. However, one factor, learners’ computer literacy had no influence on utilisation of online library services. The study recommends that all distance learners irrespective of their gender and age should be enlightened to use online library services provided by the University of Nairobi. In order to create awareness, there is need to engage distance learners in activities that give practice and require them to demonstrate their competence in evaluating the quality of information they use. The outcome of this study may act as basis for policy formulation for both the University of Nairobi and the government of Kenya regarding Distance Learning Programmes. Further research may be carried out to ensure that these demographic and institutional factors are tested in other study samples found in other public universities in Kenya