The use of electronic information services (EIS) by undergraduate nursing students at the University of Namibia's (UNAM) Northern Campus
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Library and information science professionals are increasingly taking a keen interest in gaining a better understanding of how university's students are making use of the electronic information services (EIS) in academic libraries. This study investigated the use of EIS by undergraduate nursing students at the University of Namibia's (UNAM) Northern Campus. The study has specifically examined the extent to which these students used EIS, the purposes for which they used EIS, the barriers they encountered in their use of EIS, the benefits they feel they gain from using EIS, the sources they use to acquire EIS skills, and their perceptions of EIS. The study followed a survey design and employed a mixed-method approach, whereby a self-administered questionnaire and interviews were used as data collection instruments. The results of the study are based on the data from 163 returned questionnaires and 15 interviews that were conducted with the students. The study found that the vast majority of the students made the greatest use of the Internet and email, and that the OPAC was moderately used, while the library electronic databases and e-journals were found to be substantially under-utilised. These students used the EIS for a variety of purposes, including obtaining course-related information, general current awareness, communication, and entertainment. The study also identified several barriers that prevented students from effectively using the various EIS. These include the shortage of computers, unreliable Internet connection, time constraints, and the lack of EIS skills. The study further found that the majority of students relied heavily on their fellow students to acquire EIS skills. It was further found that while many students were generally enthusiastic and have a positive perception of the Internet and email, only a few thought that the library's electronic databases and e-journals were useful to them.