Computer Attitude and the use of Electronic Information Resources by Undergraduate Students of Private Universities in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The electronic information resources provided by academic libraries in Nigeria are receiving not being optimally used, and researchers have linked this problem to factors such as the computer attitude of the users. This study examines the level of computer attitude among undergraduate students in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research method. The study population is 3,210 undergraduate students, out of which 800 students were randomly selected as the study sample. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The result shows a positive computer attitude among the students (Mean =2.83). However, it was found that computer attitude (β = -.033, P >.05) is not a significant predictor of electronic information resources use among undergraduates in southwest Nigeria. The study concludes that adequate training and user education programs are necessary for academic libraries to orient students about the importance of library-provided electronic information resources and equip them with the necessary skills to use them easily. The study recommends improved awareness and user education targeted at undergraduates to boost the use of electronic information resources.

Keywords

• computer anxiety
• computer confidence
• computer efficacy
• electronic information resources