AN ASSESSMENT ON USER BEHAVIOUR TOWARD DIGITAL LIBRARY SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY: A CASE STUDY THE INSTITUTE OF FINANCE MANAGEMENT (IFM) MWANZA CAMPUS

This study assessed user behavior towards digital library services among students at the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) Mwanza Campus. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to identify the types of digital library services available in the academic library, to examine students' skills in using digital library services, to identify challenges faced by students when using digital library services, andto propose strategies for improving the utilization of digital library services. The study employed a descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach. Data were collected from 27 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. The collected data were processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies and percentages, and the findings were presented in tables. The findings revealed that students were aware of various digital library services, particularly e-books, online databases, and e-journals. However, the utilization of these services was affected by challenges such as poor internet connectivity, limited access to computers and digital devices, inadequate information literacy skills, and difficulties in searching online databases. The study concluded that although digital library services were available atIFM Mwanza Campus, their effective utilization depended on students' awareness, information literacy skills, and the availability of adequate ICT infrastructure. The study recommended that the institution should improve internet connectivity, increase awareness of digital library services, provide regular information literacy training, and enhance access to ICT facilities in order to improve the utilization of digital library services.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved