Utilization of Internet Resources/Services by Academic Staff of National Water Resources Institute and Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Kaduna, Kaduna State
Ikegwuiro Patience Uloaku · Advances in Sciences and Humanities · 2017
The study was undertaken to assess the Internet utilization by researchers in two selected special libraries in Kaduna state. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the type of Internet services that is provided in the special libraries; to know the purpose of using the internet by the researchers; to ascertain the particular Internet search engines researchers prefer to use to locate information on the Internet; to ascertain the degree of satisfaction with the use of Internet services by the researchers; to identify the challenges encountered while using the Internet by the researchers. Survey method of research was adopted. A total number of 102 copies of structured questionnaire were administered, out of which 88 were retrieved. Descriptive statistical tools such as simple percentages and tables were used to analyze the data. Findings of the study revealed that the Internet services mostly used by academic staff is e-mail services because it is important for every researcher to communicate their ideas or thoughts among them, and can send digital file to others as attachment. The study also revealed that the researcher use internet to search and obtain data for research and publication, access e-journals, sending and receiving e-mails etc. though some challenges were discovered to be a hindrance for effective utilization of the Internet by the researchers which include: slow internet service; internet connection failure; inadequate number of connected system. The study recommends that Efforts should be made to increase the speed of the Internet access and shorten the time it takes to view and download web pages by providing more bandwidths; Management of the institution should install internet services that will connect all the offices of the academic staff to enable them have access to internet facilities; More recent models computers should be provided and be connected to internet facilities in the libraries for patrons use; A maintenance programme should be put in place for regular maintenance, up-grading and repairs.