Factors influencing utilization of library services and resources of undergraduate students. A case study of Makerere University

Abstract

In a generation where academic competition in universities has increased, library resource and service are no longer considered a good measure of an institution’s excellence and quality. The aim of the study therefore was to investigate the factors that affect the effective utilization of library services and resources by undergraduate students at Makerere university library. Employing a purposeful sample of 149 undergraduate students from which quantitative data was collected and a mixed research method, this study strived to identify factors that may be addressed to facilitate optimizing utilization of library and information resources provided through Makerere University library. The analysis was done using the multivariate logistic regression model. The results indicated about 88.7% of the respondents had actually visited the library the previous semester. The main factors that influence the utilization of library services and resources are; age (p-value=0.012), awareness on library resources (p-value=0.046) and possession of ICT skills (p-value=0.012) and had positive correlation with the utilization of library services and resources. In conclusion, the study identified awareness, age, possession of ICT skills and awareness as the main factors that influence utilization of libraries’ resources and services. The study therefore recommended need for programs for sensitization in campus that will help notify students on the different resources and services provided by the university library and equip them with the necessary ICT skills, provision of strong internet services.