2026-11-10T10:21:06Zhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/oaioai:repository.slads.sc.tz:cmsk8bj0m0010g4c5l8hydqkq2026-11-10T09:59:27Zdepartment:LIMtype:otherASSESMENT ON THE USAGE OF E-RESOURCES IN SUPPORTING RESEARCH WRITING TO UNDEGRADUATE STUDENTS: CASE STUDY OF MARIAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE (MARUCO)Samila abdul salumuElectronic Resources (E-Resources)Research WritingUndergraduate StudentsInformation LiteracyMarian University College (MARUCO)Academic DatabasesThis study assessed the usage of e-resources in supporting research writing among undergraduate
students at Marian University College (MARUCO). The study was conducted to examine the
extent to which undergraduate students use e-resources for research writing, identify the types of
e-resources commonly used, assess the contribution of e-resources to research writing, and
determine the challenges faced by students when utilizing e-resources. The study also examined
students’ confidence in evaluating the credibility of e-resources and their need for additional
training on the effective use of electronic information resources.
The study employed a case study research design and adopted a mixed research approach. Data
were collected from 25 respondents through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data
were analyzed using frequencies and percentages with the aid of Microsoft Excel and presented
in tables, while qualitative data were analyzed and supported by respondents’ quotations.
The findings revealed that e-resources are widely used by undergraduate students in supporting
research writing. Online academic journals, Google Scholar, electronic databases, and e-books
were identified as the most commonly used e-resources. Though, students faced several
challenges, including limited internet connectivity, inadequate searching skills, difficulty in
evaluating the credibility of online sources, and restricted access to some academic databases.
The study also revealed that while some students felt confident in assessing the credibility of e-resources, the majority reported only moderate confidence. Furthermore, most respondents
expressed a strong need for additional training and guidance on the effective use of e-resources
for academic research.
The study concludes that e-resources play a crucial role in enhancing research writing among
undergraduate students at MARUCO. However, their effective utilization is constrained by
access-related and information literacy challenges. The study recommends that MARUCO
should strengthen information literacy training programs, improve internet connectivity, expand
access to academic databases, and provide continuous user education to enhance students’ ability
to effectively utilize e-resources in research writing.School of Library, Archives and Documentation Studies (SLADS)2026TextOtherapplication/pdfhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/records/cmsk8bj0m0010g4c5l8hydqkqenAll rights reservedhttps://repository.slads.sc.tz/api/records/cmsk8bj0m0010g4c5l8hydqkq/file