Challenges in using information resources: a case study of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture library, Nigeria

The utilization of information resources holds significant importance in the realm of undergraduate education. However, undergraduates often encounter diverse challenges when it comes to accessing and effectively utilizing these resources. This study aims to investigate the specific challenges faced by undergraduates in their usage of information resources, focusing on the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Library as a pertinent case study. The study seeks to discern the types of information resources commonly employed by undergraduates, identify the obstacles they encounter in the process of accessing and utilizing these resources, and explore potential strategies to overcome these challenges.

In pursuit of these research objectives, a total of 150 questionnaires were disseminated to a carefully selected sample of undergraduate students from the aforementioned university. The questionnaires served as the primary instrument for data collection. The obtained results shed light on various noteworthy aspects. Notably, a significant majority of undergraduate students (86%) reported visiting the library weekly. However, it was found that only a comparatively smaller proportion (36%) of students indicated frequent utilization of electronic resources, such as e-books and online journals.

The most prevalent challenges included inadequate availability of resources (52%), poor Internet connectivity (46%), limited proficiency in information literacy skills (38%), and restricted access to relevant materials (34%). These findings underscore the need to address these challenges to facilitate enhanced access to and utilization of information resources among undergraduate students.

In conclusion, by examining the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Library as a case study, the study provides valuable insights on how to mitigate the challenges observed such as providing Improved Library Resources and Better Internet Connectivity utilized by undergraduates.