PROFICIENCY AS CORRELATES OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES USAGE FOR RESEARCH AMONG POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the proficiency of postgraduate students as correlates of electronic information resources usage for research in universities in North-west, Nigeria. The study was guided by three research objectives, two research questions and one research hypothesis. The population of the study consisted of 26,531 postgraduate students in 12 universities in North-west, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive correlational research design. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select sample size of 530 postgraduate students. Structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Out of 530 copies of structured questionnaire administered 499 copies were filled, returned and found to be usable. Data was I using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the proficiency of the postgraduate students to electronic information resources usage for research is high with a weighted mean score of 2.97 and Std= 0.878. it was found that the extent of electronic information resources usage for research among postgraduate students in universities in North-west, Nigeria is low with a weighted mean score of 1.99 and Std=0.903. Hypothesis one tested showed that there is significant relationship between postgraduate students’ proficiency level and the electronic information resources usage for research with (r = 0.364, Df = 497, P<0.05). The study concluded that postgraduate students in universities in North-West Nigeria have positive perceptions of electronic information resources, which significantly influence their use for research projects, theses and dissertations. Universities and libraries should sensitize postgraduate students about electronic resources, invest in ICT infrastructure, provide reliable internet access, maintain databases, and offer customized support services. Regular monitoring, evaluation, and expanding electronic resource collections can enhance electronic information resources usage for research.