The use of print library materials in the era of digital resources in institutions of higher learning in Namibia: a case study of the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
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Date
2019
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The study investigated the use of print library materials in institutions of higher learning in Namibia. The main objective was to establish the extent to which students prefer print resources in the digital era. A mixed method research approach was adopted, with the use of a self-administered survey questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide to gather data from the participants. The population comprised of the University of Namibia and Namibia University of Science and Technology as well as the respondents, this included students and librarians. A stratified, quota sampling technique was used to select 370 students, and purposive sampling was used to select two librarians to participate in the study. The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to obtain descriptive statistics for quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed manually through content analysis. The study found that students preferred both print and electronic resources; however, most of them used print as compared to electronic resources. The study further found that students preferred print resources for the following reasons: print resources are easy to locate; convenient to read from; easy to read from; less eye-straining; more reliable; easy to note from as well quality graphics, photos and tables. Students cited the following challenges when using print resources: difficulty in locating materials; outdated materials; missing library materials on the shelves; few copies in the library and library materials not meeting their information needs. None of the Universities investigated had an operational guideline on the issue of acquiring materials that were available in the dual format. The study found that the Universities were purchasing more print books as compared to electronic books. Moreover, the acquisition of electronic journals had increased as compared to print journals. The study concluded that in the era of digital resources, most of the students still prefer print resources. The study provided the following recommendations: establishment of appropriate guidelines to accommodate dual formats as well as considering selective duplication of information formats in certain disciplines.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the requirements for the Degree of Master of library and information
Keywords
Print library materials, Higher learning in Namibia, Digital era, Digital resources, University of Namibia, Namibia of Science and Technology