Utilization of information communication technology facilities for research output amongst postgraduate students: The case of university of Nairobi Library systems
Abstract
The study focused on utilization of information communication technology facilities for research output amongst postgraduate students at the University of Nairobi library systems. Objectives of the study were to assess the frequency of usage of information communication technology facilities by postgraduate students at the University of Nairobi library systems, establish the available information and communication technology facilities utilized for research output at the university of Nairobi library systems, establish the competence of information staff in support of information and communication technology services for research output and identify challenges faced by postgraduate students in utilization of information and communication technology facilities for research output and suggest possible solutions to the identified problems. The study utilized semi structured questionnaire as the major data collection instrument. Interview method and general observation was used whenever required to supplement the process and make the information more explicit. Target population of 124 students was selected for the study. Purposive sampling method was used to select the sample size of the study while the data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences program. Findings from the study revealed availability of information and communication technology facilities in the university library systems hence internet services being the most frequently utilized by postgraduate students for research output. Slow connectivity, inadequate resources, security protocols, inefficient bandwidth were the major challenges to utilization of these facilities for research output amongst postgraduate students. Useful recommendations for eradicating these challenges militating against utilization of information and communication technology facilities for research output amongst post graduate students included; top management implementation of the scarce information and communication technologies for video conferencing technology, electronic learning software, smart card technology and exploration of cloud computing technology to maximize information and communication technology.