| dc.description.abstract | The study focused on investigating the growth in use of e-books collection among undergraduate students in academic libraries in Kenya with particular interest to Technical University of Kenya and Catholic university of Eastern Africa. The objectives of this study included to determine the level of awareness of the undergraduate students of the available e-books in the two libraries ,establish the level of accessibility of e-books by the undergraduate students in the Technical University of Kenya and Catholic University of Eastern Arica library; identify the factors that influence e-book usage; establish the challenges experienced by the users in accessing the e-books in the two academic libraries; and suggest possible solutions to address the challenges faced by the users in accessing the e-books in the two academic libraries. The study will be significant as it will contribute to knowledge on the topic of the adoption of e-books collection in academic libraries at the Technical University of Kenya and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and the result of this study could be used as a guideline to enhance utilization of E-books by students in institutionsof higher learning in Kenya. In terms of scope, the study was limited to undergraduate students of Technical University of Kenya and Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The study adopted descriptive survey research design, which was also used to obtain information on the current status of phenomenon. The target population in this study was 6,000 students from Technical University of Kenya and 4,000 from Catholic University of Eastern Africa selected randomly. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Research data collected through semi-structured questionnaires as the major data collection instrument. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics via Statistical Packages for Social Sciences Version 21 and presented through percentages, means, frequencies, pie charts, tables and graphs. The study established that students in the two selected universities were aware of the availability of e-books in the libraries, e-book education, distribution and promotion should be intensively conducted to enhance usage, Provision of electronic devices for e-books reading should be considered to ensure students get access to computers to enhance usability. Increased bandwidth and provision of remote access promotes great use of e-books. The study recommends provision of adequate computer/mobile devices, high speed and reliable internet accessibility, and arrangement for adequate awareness campaigns. | en_US |
