Use of Electronic Information Resources for Research and Learning in Private Universities in Ghana

Abstract

Although Electronic Information Resources (EIR) have become an important part of research and learning in Universities, a growing body of literature suggests that its utilisation amongst students in especially developing countries tends to be low. It follows therefore that any evidence-based research that seeks to unravel the factors that drive this unresponsive behaviour towards EIR usage especially in private universities is of high demand. The main objective of this study was to find out the level of use of electronic information resources by students of Akrofi - Christaller Institute of Theology, Missions and Culture (ACI) and the Ghana Technology University College (GTUC). The study applied the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in addition to other measures to investigate students‟ usage of e-resources in their studies. The study adopted a survey method with questionnaire serving as the main instrument to collect data from students of ACI and GTUC through accidental and convenience sampling techniques. The empirical data was analysed mainly through descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage distributions. A Pearson‟s product-moment correlation analysis was also run to ascertain the relationship between actual usage, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of EIR. Among other things, the study revealed that there was high awareness of EIR amongst students. Further, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were found to influence the extent to which students actually utilised EIR in a significant and positive manner. To improve the utilisation of e-journals for optimum academic output in universities in Ghana especially private ones, the study recommended enhancement of infrastructural provision and regular information literacy training for students. Key words: Correlation, Electronic Information Resources (EIR), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)