An evaluation of the use of electronic databases by academic institutions
Date
2013-11-14
Authors
Njoroge, Rose W.
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Abstract
The study sought to evaluate the use of electronic databases in academic institutions. A
case study was done for Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The main focus for the
study was to investigate the level of awareness of the electronic databases among the
community in academic institutions, investigate the extent and purpose of use, find out
the challenges encountered in the use of electronic resources and also find out who
actually uses the electronic databases in academic institutions and for what purpose are the electronic resources being used. It also set out to investigate the relationship between the use of electronic databases and the computing skills of the patrons. Relationship between the training on the use of the electronic databases and the level of use was also investigated.
A survey was done through a questionnaire which was submitted to academic staff and
postgraduate students. The sample comprised of 40% (60 out of 148) of the academic
staff and 40% (73 out of 182) of the postgraduate students.
The study revealed that there is high awareness (94%) of the electronic databases
subscription by the CUEA community; the extent of use is average (65%). Majority of
the users were the postgraduate students.
Challenges experienced include; lack of connectivity, slow internet connectivity, lack of
personal computers and password problems.
Description
Dissertation for the degree of Master of Science in Information Technology
Keywords
Electronic databases, Academic institutions, Catholic University of Eastern Africa