dc.description.abstract | The researcher investigated internet usage among students at the University of Nairobi using a
quantitative case study method. A questionnaire-based survey was done among 381 students
and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the university‟s library staff. The research
findings indicate that the students' level of awareness about the internet services offered at the
university was high. The students had good basic computer and internet skills; however, they
lacked more advanced skills and this negatively affected their use of internet resources. The
students used the internet for various purposes, including to study, teach and do research; to
communicate; and for social interaction. The major recommendations of the study include
providing formal internet training and adequate facilities; implementing a better, inclusive
policy on internet use; and better co-ordinated university efforts. Free internet access should be
made available to all the university students, if not all members of the university community.
Key terms: internet use; university students; information needs; online databases; e-journals;
social networking sites; computer-mediated communication; user studies; University of Nairobi | en_US |