Remote Access Of E-Resources: A Case Of University Of Nairobi-Distance Learning

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate remote access of e-resources by distance learning students of the University of Nairobi. Five research questions were raised. The study sought to find out the types of e-resources and services available for use by UoN DL students, their sources of e-resource, their search pattern, how they evaluate and filter the quality of e-resources they use. The research adopted survey method; the instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select respondents for this study. Data collected from the research questions were analyzed using frequency tables, cross tabulation and simple percentages, Pie Chart and Column Charts. The study discovered that majority of the students are aware of the e-resource which they frequently use. They are also aware of e-journals, e-books and electronic theses and dissertations; majority of the DL students in University of Nairobi are extraverted and enthusiastic by the results and amount of information they get remotely. This behavior affects their ability to get the required material; there is no significant difference among students of different academic levels of concerning the challenges faced in searching for e-resources; majority of the students use Google and other search engines to look up e-resources. The study concluded that DL students in the University of Nairobi have realized and have come to terms with the web knowing fully well that it is packed full with e-resources that they need for their academic advancement and research productivity. However, many of the DL students have developed poor remote e-resource search making it difficult for them to locate the right information. It is recommended that more awareness should be created on the availability on the repository and how to effectively search for information therein; the University Library should intensify the existing training programme for DL students on how to effectively search for e-resources.