AN ASSESSMENT OF USER'S AWARENESS ON INFORMATION RETRIEVAL TOOLS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY. CASE STUDY OF AGENCY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT (ADEM) - BAGAMOYO

ABSTRACT This study assessed users’ awareness of information retrieval tools in academic libraries, using the library of the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM), Bagamoyo, as a case study. The study was guided by a general objective to assess the level of users’ awareness of information retrieval tools and four specific objectives: to identify the types of available tools, examine users’ retrieval skills, establish challenges faced, and propose strategies for improvement. The study adopted a descriptive research design and mixed methods approach. A sample of 30 respondents students, lecturers, and library staff was selected using simple random and purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observation, achieving a 100 percent response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative findings were analyzed narratively. The findings revealed that OPAC was the most recognized tool, while awareness of indexes, abstracts, and bibliographies was lower. Most users had moderate skills, with limited proficiency in advanced search techniques. Key challenges included lack of searching skills, limited awareness, poor internet connectivity, and insufficient training. The study identified user education programs, regular training, librarian support, and improved internet access as the main strategies to address these gaps. The study concludes that users have basic awareness but lack full proficiency across all available tools due to training and infrastructure gaps. It recommends that ADEM Library should implement continuous user education, provide targeted practical training, actively promote all available tools, and improve internet connectivity and electronic resource access.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved