Availability, Accessibility and Use of Electronic Information Resources as Correlates of Research Output of Librarians in Federal Universities in North Central Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper assessed the availability, accessibility and use of electronic information resources as correlate of research output of librarians in federal Universities in north central zone, Nigeria. The study was guided by three objectives and three corresponding research questions. Survey research design method was adopted for the study. The total population for the study was one hundred and nineteen (119) professional librarians in seven federal universities studied. Therefore, total enumeration or census was used since the population was manageable. Questionnaire and observation checklist were the instruments used for data collection. One hundred and sixteen (116) copies of questionnaire were returned and used for the analysis. Statistical tool such as frequency counts and percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyzed the data. The result of the analysis revealed that electronic information resources are available and accessible in Federal Universities in north central zone, Nigeria but the level of usage by librarians for their research output is minimal due to library routine. The study revealed further that research output of librarians are published in professional journals, conference proceedings, experimental designs, writing of book or book chapter, writing of monograph, producing works of artistic and creative nature, engaging in public debate and commentaries, exhibiting editorial duties, obtaining patent/s licences in terms of inventions sand many more. The major challenge faced by librarians in Federal universities in North central zone, Nigeria was lack of time due to library routine tasks. This study concluded that most librarians in Federal Universities in North central zone, Nigeria have access to electronic information resources but do not maximize these resources effectively and efficiently for their research output/productivity. Hence this study recommended that librarians’ routine task should be minimized so that they can have time to embark on research activities using the electronic information resources.