Awareness of Electronic Databases by Academic Staff in Private Universities in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Awareness of the databases among academics in institutions of higher learning is important because the ultimate use of the databases is for academics to be aware and utilise them effectively to contribute to academic achievement in academia. Literature identified lack of awareness as the main factors militating against effective use of electronic databases partly due to level of user education, preference, orientations and training. This study therefore, investigated the awareness- perception, level of user education and information literacy.The descriptive survey research design of the correlational type was adopted. A total of 1656 academic staff in the 21 private universities were sampled. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 60% academic staff across the ranks in 21 private universities. The main research instruments used to collect data for the study was questionnaire. Data generated were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Spearman’s rank was used to test hypothesis at 0.05 level of confidence.The result of the analysis showed that there was average level of awareness of electronic databases among academic staff in private universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study recommended libraries/librarians, database producers/ vendors, publishers and private universities ICT units/departments to raise the level of awareness of electronic databases in the private universities in South-west, Nigeria as higher awareness can influence higher utilisation of the electronic databases.

Keywords: Research Productivity, Electronic Databases, Private Universities, Academic Staff, Awareness