Influencing Academic Library Use in Tanzania: A Multiple Regression Analysis

Abstract

Library use is influenced by many factors. This study uses a multiple regression analysis to ascertain the connection between the level of library use and a few of these factors based on the questionnaire responses from 158 undergraduate students who use academic libraries in two Tanzania’s universities: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU). It has been discovered that users of academic libraries in Tanzania are influenced by the need to: search and access online materials, check for new books or other resources, check out books and other materials, and enjoy a friendly environment for study. However, their library use is not influenced by either the free wireless network, or consultation from librarians. It is argued that, academic libraries need to devise and implement plans that can make these libraries better learning environment and platforms to drive socio-economic development particularly in developing nations such as Tanzania. It is further argued that, this can be enhanced through investment in modern academic library infrastructures.

Keywords

• library users
• library use
• multiple regression analysis
• tanzania
• academic libraries