Guidelines for accessing electronic resources for Aga Khan University Library

Abstract

The project aimed at developing the guidelines for accessing electronic resources at Aga Khan University library so as to increase accessibility and usability of electronic resources. The objectives of the project were to; profile the existing electronic resources, identify and document the means or ways for accessing e-resources, assess the challenges faced in accessing the electronic resources by library patrons and develop guidelines for accessing electronic resources at Aga Khan University library. The project used a case study research design while adopting both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Data collection methods included: questionnaire and interviews to collect data on access and use of electronic resources. The project research used a sample size of 96 respondents who included: ninety-two (92) students and four (4) library staff. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel software. The findings of the project revealed that: there were various services offered by the library including electronic resources but they are not maximally utilized by the library users. Further, Books are most preferred electronic resources and patrons are highly comfortable with them. Additionally, access and utilization of electronic resources is an important element of research activities for library users and a great physical space saving component to the library. Also, the project indicates that as electricity and Internet are most needed components to enable access to electronic resources. It was also found out that the benefits of using electronic resources outweighed the challenges. Identified challenges in the access and utilization of e-resources, included: limited user education, computer illiteracy and limited skills among the library patrons. The project therefore concludes: in order to maximally utilize the available e-resources at Aga Khan University Library services, guidelines for accessing electronic resources were important. This would minimize on the number of challenges currently faced, hence optimum utilization of the available resources. The project recommends adoption of the designed guidelines for accessing electronic resources. Other recommendations include: Continuous user education programs which should be carried out by the administration of the library since the library users range from beneficiaries, potential and actual users of the resources so as to equip each type of user with the necessary skills for accessing and utilizing of the library’s electronic resources to their full potential.