Challenges Facing Maasai Mara University Students in the Access and Use of Electronic Information Resources in the Library

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the challenges that confront users while accessing and utilising electronic information resources at Maasai Mara University library and finally suggest possible solutions for the identified challenges. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a target population of 3180 students. A sample size of 343 participants was drawn from undergraduate students who are in their 2nd and 4th years of study. The stratified sampling technique was used to group the respondents into strata according to their respective schools and year of study. Respondents were randomly selected. The drop-and-pick-up method was used in the administration of the questionnaires. The challenges faced while access were; lack of adequate search skills (80%), lack of appropriate training on accessing the resources (78%) and inadequate computers (72%). The study recommends sufficient networked computers, students’ sensitisation on the worth of electronic resources and well-planned user awareness and user education programs by the library.

Keywords: Challenges, Access, Use, Electronic Resources, Students

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