Electronic Resources and Its Application in Collection Development Practices in Academic Libraries: the Case of United States International University

Abstract

The swift emergency and growth of information technology has fundamentally changed collection development practices in libraries. Academic libraries are tagging along this fast change by bringing more resources for developing and administering electronic resources. The purpose of this study was to examine electronic resources and its application in collection development and management practices in academic libraries using the case of United States International University. The study was guided by the following research questions: Which factors influence the application of electronic collection development practices in an academic library? What are the type of electronic resources acquired in an academic library? What are the perceptions of users towards electronic resources? What strategies are applied by the library in relation to acquiring electronic resources in the library? And finally, what barriers hinder the acquisition of electronic resources? The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. Stratified random sampling was used to collect data from postgraduate students while purposive sampling was used to collect data from the library staff. The study used structured questionnaires to collect data from 110 graduate students and 25 library staff. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse quantitative data collected and represented inform of tables. Findings from this study revealed that electronic resources are acquired and frequently used in the library. Electronic resources acquired in the library were user-friendly, easy to navigate and provide current information. The study also found that increasing the number of internet access, and providing remote access leads to high usage of electronic resources. Electronic resources are monumental in addressing challenges users face in relation to access and use of library resources. The study findings revealed that inadequate information communication technology tools and access terminals was hindering the adoption and usage of electronic resources. The study recommends that constant training, increasing number of access points and providing of key relevant information is key to a wider usage of the electronic resources