ACCESSING ELECTRONIC DATABASES FOR CURRICULUM DELIVERY IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY

Abstract

This study investigates the utilization of electronic databases (e-databases) by academic staff at Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s Library, Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The rapid advancement of digital resources has transformed academic research, making e-databases essential tools for teaching, learning, and scholarly work. However, the extent to which academic staff leverage these resources remains a critical area of inquiry. Adopting a descriptive research design, this study collected data through structured questionnaires distributed to academic staff. Given the manageable population size, a census approach was employed, eliminating the need for sampling. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), ensuring accurate and reliable results. Findings revealed that a majority of academic staff were aware of the e-databases available in the library, indicating effective awareness campaigns by library management. However, despite this awareness, several challenges hindered optimal usage. Key issues included difficulties in downloading academic materials, frequent power outages, and poor internet connectivity, which significantly disrupted access to online resources. Additionally, some respondents reported a lack of sufficient training on database navigation, further limiting their ability to utilize these resources effectively. Based on these findings, the study recommends that library management should prioritize improving internet infrastructure and provide regular training sessions to enhance users' database literacy. Furthermore, addressing technical challenges such as download restrictions and ensuring consistent power supply will significantly improve user experience. By implementing these measures, the library can maximize the benefits of e-databases, ultimately supporting the institution's academic and research objectives.