An Assessment of the Use of Electronic Information Resources and Facilities by Engineering Scholars in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of electronic information resources and facilities among Engineering Scholars in Private Universities in Nigeria using Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria as a Case Study. Scientific investigation involves careful and proper adoption of research design, use of standardized tools and texts in identifying adequate sample techniques for data analysis. In this survey a questionnaire was adapted, tested and employed to collect primary data of academics from Mechanical, Mechatronics, Biomedical, Telecommunications, Electrical-electronics and Computer engineering Departments of Bells University of Technology, Ota Ogun State, Nigeria. In all, a total of forty-two faculty members, associate and research staff participated from the college of Engineering. The questionnaires were distributed among forty-two faculty members from the six departments of the college of engineering, out of which 40 were returned and found to be valid, making a response rate 95.23%. Among the 40 respondents, 2 faculties do not use electronic information resources. Thus, response rate is reduced to 38 (95.00%). In addition individual interview and observation methods were also used to collect the required information. The results correspond with previous studies conducted in other countries. The Engineers still stick to the printed information sources, but they pay good attention to electronic resources. Most of them have access to computer and internet at the office and home. They are regular users of a variety of electronic technologies. Although faced with some challenges. Thus, the applied scientists perceive that modern technology made their work easier. The study focused only on the engineering faculty in the first private university of technology in Nigeria. The survey could be replicated among other faculties such as humanities and or in other private universities in Nigeria and on a larger sample for generalization. Keeping in view the positive trend of engineering towards modern technology, universities and libraries should be adequately funded to provide electronic resources and facilities in the science and applied science discipline. Special training programmes for engineering scholars should also be organized. This is the first study on this topic in a private university of technology in Nigeria. The results can also be used to design services and facilities in academic libraries and information centers in private universities and universities of technology in Nigeria and in other developing countries.