A Study on Use of Electronic Resources and Services by Users of Pt. Sundarlal Sharma Library, PRSU Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Santu Ram Kashyap^1*, Pramod Kumar²

^1,2SoS in Library & Information Science, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University Raipur, (C.G.) 492010, India

¹sr_kashyap1976@rediffmail.com, ²pmd.yahoo123@gmail.com

 *Corresponding author: Santu Ram Kashyap (sr_kashyap1976@rediffmail.com)

Abstract:

This paper aims to propagate the pivotal role of e-resources in the academic environment, particularly focusing on the postgraduate students of the Science stream of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. A survey method was employed and a well-structured questionnaire was designed for collecting the data from respondents. This study focused to find out various aspects related to the use of e-resources by the target respondents i.e. awareness level, purpose of using e-resources, time spent by the respondents, etc. This study will enhance the infrastructure and basic requirement of e-resources in the library uplift the teaching and learning environment in the university and offer an insight to policy makers and librarians for better use of e-resources. as a result found that the Total 219 (100%) respondent’s use internet for e- resources and other purposes. The highest 182 (83.11%) of respondents use email followed by 146 (66.67%) use e-books, e-journals 85 (38.81%), e-newspaper clippings 76 (34.70%),  e-pg pathshala 64 (29.22%),  e-magazines 37 (16.89%), e-thesis 26 (11.87%), e-shodhganga 21(9.59%), e-repository13(5.94%),e-database 12(5.48%), and lowest 03(1.37%)by used is e-shodhsindhu. and The majority of the 163 (74.43%) respondents are satisfied with the use of e-resources,12 (5.48%) are dissatisfied, 19 (8.68%) are very satisfied and 25 (11.42%) respondents don’t know the satisfaction level.

Keywords: Electronic Resources, Services, PG Students, Science, Pt. Sundar lal Sharma Library, PRSU Raipur.

Introduction

Developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have radically taken over every sphere of activity in university libraries. Academic libraries owe it a key duty to keep pace with technological advancement to cope with users’ continual sophisticated information requirements. Academic libraries in the 21st century may not function properly without the existence of electronic resources. Over the years, technology has progressed significantly, leading to the development of new techniques and standards that manage and distribute content in various formats. As a result, librarians are increasingly embracing e-resources in their collections to address users' e-resource needs. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based computers and the internet have brought about significant changes in the operations of library institutions, necessitating adaptations in internal library processes and user services. Traditional libraries are transitioning into digital and virtual libraries due to advancements in technology and web development. Information technology has not only influenced libraries and information science but has also impacted knowledge across all domains.

The emergence and use of information technology are the most significant events of the century, greatly influencing communication among scholars. Libraries are transforming their roles, from preserving traditional information resources to becoming providers of service-oriented digital information resources. In the present era, electronic resources have become integral to academic and research libraries. Government institutions and universities allocate substantial budgets to subscribe to e-resources.

E-Resources

E-resources, also known as electronic resources, refer to materials that require computers or electronic devices to access and deliver content. Both online and offline resources fall under this category, including CD-ROMs and e-materials. E-resources encompass all products provided through computer libraries and computer networks. These resources are intended to be accessed electronically, and they include various forms of digital content.

E-resources, also referred to as online information resources, include digital databases, electronic reference books, search engines for comprehensive textbooks, and digital data collections. This category encompasses digital content produced specifically for computer-based access. Examples include e-magazines, databases, and digitized print resources. Libraries do not own electronic resources, e-magazines, or online databases in the same way they own physical printed materials. Ownership of electronic resources lies with the content creators. Access to electronic resources can be either free or available for a fee via the Internet. Examples of e-resources include e-magazines, e-encyclopedias, e-newspapers, e-journals, and published e-articles. 

E-resources can be primarily divided into two categories:

Traditional Printed E-resources: This category includes sources that are available in print format as well, such as books, magazines, journals, and newspapers.

Non-Printed Digital E-resources: This category includes sources that are available only in electronic or digital format. Examples include websites, online magazines, blogs, and digital archives.

Review of Literature

Balasubramani, Jeyapragash et al. (2022) conducted a study titled 'Usage of Electronic Resources: A Study among department Faculty members of Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore.' The study focused on the awareness and usage of e-resources among department Faculty members of Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College. It analyzed the usage patterns, frequency, and satisfaction levels of e-resources. The study found that e-books, e-journals, and engineering books are highly preferred, and the satisfaction level was found to be higher. 

Adenariwo, F. K. (2022) the study aims to investigate the awareness and usage of electronic resources among undergraduates of Fountain University, Osun State, Nigeria. Three research questions were answered and three null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study and a systematic sampling technique was used to select 1000 undergraduates. A simple percentage and frequency table was used to analyze the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) was used for testing the hypotheses. The results obtained revealed that undergraduates of Fountain University are quite aware of and highly use electronic information resources. The study also reported that undergraduates at Fountain University are skilled in the use of electronic information resources. Based on the findings, the study concluded that electronic information resources are essential tools for empowering undergraduates at Fountain University, Osun State, Nigeria. 

Chanda, Anupam (2021) in this study revealed that 52.81% of respondents were highly aware of e-resources. Among them, 44.73% were open-access and subscriber users, while 83.74% used e-resources every month. Furthermore, 91.61% of respondents utilized e-resources for regular studies. Some respondents 22% faced difficulties accessing e-resources due to inadequate availability of computers in universities. Around 53.49% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with e-resource usage.

 A, Alagu and S, Thanuskodi, (2018) This study explored how Alagappa College of Arts and Science students utilize and perceive electronic information resources. It also investigated their awareness of these resources, their satisfaction levels, and their challenges while using them. The sample comprised 80 respondents selected from a college population of 120. They employed a descriptive survey method, using a questionnaire on Electronic Information Resources distributed through the Alagappa College of Arts and Science Library. The findings indicated that most respondents had limited knowledge of e-resources. It was suggested that utilizing the university library could provide access to a wider range of e-resources. Consequently, the study concluded that users exhibit low awareness of e-resources alongside a moderate level of satisfaction.  

Anand, S.K. et. al. (2017) conducted a study to assess the use and awareness of Electronic Information Resources among UG & PG students of T John College, for this purpose, 120 questionnaires were distributed among the students, out of which 100 responses were received. the study identifies the awareness of e-information resources among students i.e. 81% opined that they are aware of Electronic Information Resources and 19% opined that they are not aware of electronic information Resources.  Students use E-resources for Project Work i.e.74.07%, followed by preparing class notes 64.19%. The students use EIR for Social Networking i.e. 56.79%, followed by 55.55% for preparing assignments and 43.02% for entertainment purposes. 

Kenchakkanavar, Anand Y. (2014). Types of e-resources and its utilities in libraries. The advent of technology has compelled libraries to embrace new content. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of e-resources, which are becoming increasingly important for the educational community. 

Gakibayo, A. et al. (2013) conducted an assessment of the use of electronic information resources at Mbarara University Library. The study included identifying the availability of resources in the library, determining the limits of usage, and proposing strategies to enhance usage. Surveys, document analysis, and interviews were conducted with library staff and undergraduate students, involving two hundred sixty-six respondents. The study found that the utilization of resources was affected not only by computer skills and information literacy but also by the inadequacy of computers and slow internet connectivity. The frequency of e-resource usage indicates the need for significant improvements to promote their usage. 

 Chandran (2013) examined the utilization and user perceptions of electronic information resources (EIRs) at the Siva Institute of Frontier Technology in India. It highlighted the growing importance of EIRs in higher education and emphasized the need for user training and support. While informative, the study leaves room for further exploration, particularly in understanding specific user preferences for different types of electronic resources and the factors influencing user perceptions. Additionally, the study's focus on a single institution limits its generalizability, suggesting the potential for comparative research across multiple academic settings to uncover broader trends and best practices in EIR usage.

Thanuskodi, S. (2012) investigated the utilization of electronic resources by students and researchers in the Faculty of Arts at Annamalai University. The research provided insights into the extent of E-resource usage, user preferences, and satisfaction levels within this academic community. The study's findings underscored the increasing reliance on electronic resources in higher education and highlighted the importance of user training and support. However, a potential research gap lies in the study's focus on a specific academic department within Annamalai University, leaving room for further exploration of E-resource usage across different faculties or universities to identify broader trends and challenges.

Objective of Study

The main objectives of the study are to understand the use of electronic resources and services by postgraduate (Science) students of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.), which are as follows –

1. To know the use and awareness of electronic resources by the Postgraduate Students of Science of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University Raipur.
2. To identify the types of electronic resources used by postgraduate students of science.
3. To know the frequency of library visits by the PG students of science.
4. To know the purposes and use of electronic resources.
5. To know the level of satisfaction.
6. To know the electronic resource-based services offered in the university library.
7. To know the amount of time spent by students on using electronic resources.
8. To know the likely problems in the utilization of electronic resources by PG students.

Scope of the Study

The present study is limited to Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. The study involves only postgraduate students from various departments of science, including Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, Electronics and Photonics, and Environmental Science.

Research Methodology

The present study is based on the survey method. In this study questionnaires and Google Forms were used for data collection. To collect data, the link to the Google Form along with a distribution of a questionnaire comprising 300 questionnaires was shared among postgraduate students.  A total of number 159 questionnaires were collected through both the paper-based and Google Forms methods, resulting in 60 responses obtained through Google Forms. Based on this, the data was tabulated and analyzed by MS Excel, and appropriate statistical techniques were employed for analysis using graphs and tables to interpret the figures.

About Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 

Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University is located in Raipur, it is the largest and oldest institution of higher education in Chhattisgarh founded in 1964 and named after the first chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. The campus university is spread over 300.16 acres of land. There are 29 teaching departments in the University.  A variety of self-financed courses have been initiated in some departments.

About Pt. Sundar Lal Sharma Library

Pt. Sundarlal Sharma library is the central library of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh which is named after freedom fighter Pt. Sundarlal Sharma. The library was established in the year 1965. This library is recognized as the oldest and largest academic library in Chhattisgarh state. The library is functional in a separate 4-storey building. Currently library is using automation to perform most of the housekeeping operations. Presently library has a rich collection of various learning resources including1,80,389 books, 25,138 theses and dissertations, 62 Indian journals and 22,522 bound volumes of journals. Apart from these print resources library has a good collection of 2,881 e-books,12 current Indian e-journals, 06 current foreign e-journals, 2873 e-thesis and 6000+ journals, which are provided through e-Shodh Sindhu consortia. The library provides various services to its users like borrowing of books, OPAC facility, overhead book scanner, e-library, and workstation for research on microdata from census, encyclopedia, annual reviews and advances etc. The library also provides a Braille printer, scanner and talking software (JAWS) facility for visually impaired students. To prevent academic dishonesty and plagiarism from research papers DrillBit antiplagiarism software is being used.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

During a research study, researchers have to follow various stages, and a significant phase among these stages is the analysis of data. This phase involves processing and analyzing the data collected. The important steps in these stages are as follows.

Table 1: Distribution of Department wise registered students

Table 1 shows that the total number of registered students is 478 with which the majority of the students 120 (25.10%) registered in the department of chemistry followed by 76 (15.90%) students from mathematics and the least number of students registered in environmental science subject which is only 23 (4.81%).

Table 2: Distribution of Department wise selected respondents

Table- 2 shows the total number of respondents is 219, among whom the maximum number of respondents are from the Chemistry department which is 51 (23.29%) followed by 43(19.18%) are respondents from Mathematics and the least number of respondents from Environmental Science, with students 12 (5.48%).

Table 3: Gender-wise distribution of respondents

Table 3 shows that the female respondents are 139 (63.47%) whereas male respondents are 80 (36.53%). This shows that there female respondents are more than male respondents.

Table 4: Use of Internet by respondents

 Table- 4 depicts that 219 (100%) respondent’s use internet for e- resources and other purposes.

Table 5: Frequency of Library Visit

Figure 1. Frequency of library visit

Table- 5 reveals the frequency of library visits by respondents the above-mentioned table indicates that the number of respondents 124 (56.62%) visit as per need, followed by 52 (23.74%) visits twice a week, 31 (14.16) one to two days in a month and only 12(5.48%) visit daily.

Table 6: Time Spend by respondents on internet daily

Figure: 2 Time Spend by respondents on internet daily

Table- 6 shows that the highest 89 (40.64%) respondents spend 1-2 hours on the Internet daily followed by 54 (24.66%) respondents who spend more than three hours, 47 (21.46%) respondents spend 2-3 hours, 21 (9.59%) respondents spend one hour and only 8 (3.65%) spend 0-30 minutes on the internet daily.

Table 7: Location to access e-resources

Note- This question framed in multiple choice format.

Figure: 3 Location to access e-resources

Table- 7 shows the location where the respondents prefer to access e-resources. This table indicates that the highest 164 (74.89%) respondents use e-resources from the lab followed by 137 (62.56%) from home, 122 (55.70%) from the hostel, 67 (30.59%) from other locations and only 37 (16.89%) respondents access e-resources from the library. It is a very good feature of e-resources that they cannot be confined to library buildings only and can be accessed remotely.

Table 8: Purpose of using e-resources by respondents

Note- these questions framed in multiple choice format.

Figure: 4 Purpose of using e-resources by respondents

Table- 8, shows that students use e-resources for more than one purpose. The highest number of 184 (84.02%) respondent uses e-resources for exams, followed by 156 (71.23%) for study, 146 (66.67%) for assignments/notes, 127 (57.99%) for competition, 84 (38.36%) for seminar/PPt presentation and 63 (28.77%) respondents use e-resources for keeping them update.

Table 9: E-resources used by respondents

Note- This question is framed in multiple choice format.

Figure 5: E-resources used by respondents

Table-9 shows that the highest 182 (83.11%) of respondents use email, followed by 146 (66.67%) use e-books, e- journals 85 (38.81%), e-newspaper clippings 76 (34.70%),  e-pgpathshala 64 (29.22%),  e-magazines 37 (16.89%), e-thesis 26 (11.87%), e-shodhganga 21 (9.59%), e-repository 13 (5.94%),  e-database 12 (5.48%),  and lowest 03 ( 1.37%)  by used is e-shodhsindhu.

Table 10: Search Engines Used to browse E-Resources by respondents

Note- This question is framed in multiple choice format.

Figure 6: Search Engines Used to browse E-Resources by respondents

Table 10 shows that the highest number of respondents 217 (99.17%), utilize Google Search Engine. Alongside, approximately 38 (17.35%) use Yahoo, 13 (5.94%) of respondents use Bing Search engine, and 12 (5.48%) of respondents use Altavista. However, respondents do not use the MSN Search Engine.

Table 11: Problem faced by respondents in getting e-resources

Note- This question is framed in multiple choice format.

Table 11 shows that the highest 107 (48.86%) of respondents feel difficulty due to slow internet speed. Followed by 56 (25.57%) is don’t know how to use e-resources properly, 53 (24.20%) Lack of electronic equipment, 38 (17.35%) Uncomfortable to read on a computer screen, 36 (16.44%) Language problem and 29 (13.24%) is lack of time.

Table 12: Satisfaction level of the respondents with the use of e-resources

Figure: 7 Satisfaction levels of the respondents with the use of e-resources

Table -12 shows that a majority,163(74.43%) respondents are satisfied with the use of e-resources. However 12 (5.48%) are dissatisfied, 19 (8.68%) are very satisfied and 25 (11.42%) respondents don’t know the satisfaction level.

Findings

1.     The highest 51 (23.29%) respondents are from chemistry and the lowest 12 (5.48%) are from Environmental Studies.

2.     Among the respondents 139 (63.47%) are female and 80 (63.52%) are male respondents. 

3.     Total 219 (100%) respondent’s use internet for e- resources and other purposes.

4.     The highest number of respondents 124(56.62%) visit as per need followed by 52 (23.74%) visit twice a week, 31(14.16%) one to two days in a month and only 12(5.48%) visit daily.

5.     The highest 89 (40.64%) respondents spend 1-2 hours on the internet daily followed by 54 (24.66%)more than three hours, 47 (21.46%) spend 2-3 hours, 21 (9.59%) spend one hour and only 8 (3.65%) respondents spend 0-30 minutes on the internet daily.

6.     The highest number of 164 (74.89%) respondents use e-resources from the lab followed by 137 (62.56%) from home, 122 (55.70%) from the hostel, 67 (30.59%) from other locations and only 37 (16.89%) respondents access e-resources from the library.

7.     The highest number of 184 (84.02%) respondents use e-resources for exams followed by 156 (71.23%) for study, 146 (66.67%) for assignments/notes, 127 (57.99%) for competition, 84 (38.36%) for seminar/PPt presentation and 63 (28.77%) respondents use e-resources for keeping them update.

8.     The highest 182 (83.11%) of respondents use email followed by 146 (66.67%) use e-books, e-journals 85 (38.81%), e-newspaper clippings 76 (34.70%),  e-pg pathshala 64 (29.22%),  e-magazines 37 (16.89%), e-thesis 26 (11.87%), e-shodhganga 21(9.59%), e-repository13(5.94%),e-database 12(5.48%), and lowest 03(1.37%)by used is e-shodhsindhu.

9.     The highest number of respondents 217 (99.17%), utilize Google Search Engine. Alongside, approximately 38 (17.35%) use Yahoo, 13 (5.94%) of respondents use Bing Search 12 (5.48%) of respondents use Altavista. However, respondents do not use the MSN Search Engine. 

10.  The highest 107 (48.86%) of respondents feel difficulty due to slow internet speed. followed by 56 (25.57%) is don’t know how to use e-resources properly, 53 (24.20%) Lack of electronic equipment, 38 (17.35%) Uncomfortable to read on a computer screen, 36 (16.44%) Language problem and 29 (13.24%) lack of time.

11.  The majority of the 163 (74.43%) respondents are satisfied with the use of e-resources,12 (5.48%) are dissatisfied, 19 (8.68%) are very satisfied and 25 (11.42%) respondents don’t know the satisfaction level.

Conclusion

The provision of electronic information resources in academic libraries has provided unprecedented support to modern teaching, learning and research purposes in universities. The study of this kind is very useful for the teachers, librarians and also for the parents. They can make use of the findings in their policy decisions related to the collection development, particularly e-resources in the library. The use of e-resources is expanding knowledge among students. They can acquire information from around the world through the internet. E-resources are quite important for exams, studies, and competitive exams, as they provide updated information instantly. Students use the internet daily and are content with the use of e-resources.  However, to make e-resources even more useful, there is a need to ensure the easy availability of computers and the Internet in university departments.

References

Badu, E. E., &Markwei, E. D. (2005). Internet Awareness and Use in the University of Ghana. Information Development, 21(4), 260–268. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666905060069

Balasubramani, J., Anbalagan, M., Jeyapragash, B., & Muthuraj, A. (2022). Usage of Electronic Resources by the Faculty Members of Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore: A Study. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-Journal), 1–20. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac

Chanda, A. (2021). Awareness of E-resources among the College Students in Assam: Awareness of E-resources among the College Students in Assam: A Study A Study Awareness of E-resources among the College Students in Assam: A Study. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-Journal). https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/6130

Gakibayo, A., Ikoja-Odongo, J. R., & Okello-Obura, C. (2013b). Electronic information resources utilization by students in Mbarara university library. Library Philosophy and Practice, 2013.

Anand, S.K. and et all. (2017). Use and Awareness of Electronic Information Resources among UG & PG Students of T John College, Bangalore: A Study.  International Journal of Library and Information Studies Vol.7(1) Jan-Mar, 20-25, 2017 ISSN: 2231-4911

Hari, A., & Reddy, P. (2017). Availability and Utilization of Electronic Resources by the Users of Engineering College Libraries in Guntur and Prakasam districts of AP: A study. International Journal of Library and Information Studies, 7(1), 197–208. http://www.ijlis.org

Kenchakkanavar, A. Y. (2014). Types of E-Resources and its utilities in Library. International Journal of Information Sources and Services, 1(2), 97–104. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268508509

Renge, S. M., Sinnarkar, S. N., &Asstt Director, S. (2016). A study of Library Services, Facilities and Information Technology amongst Yoga-Science Libraries in Maharashtra Librarian , Swami Vivekananda Social Work College Nagpur 1. International Journal of Research in Library Science, 2(1), 167–177. www.ijrls.in.

Adenariwo, F. K. (2022). Awareness And Usage Of E-Resources Among Undergraduates in Fountain University, Osun State, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-Journal), 7210.

A, Alagu and S, Thanuskodi, "User Perception of Electronic Information Resources: A Case Study of Alagappa College of Arts and Science, Tamilnadu, India" (2018). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 1909. h5p://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1909.

Chandran  murugan73@gmail.com, V. (2013). Use and User Perception of Electronic Information Resources: A Case Study of Siva Institute of Frontier Technology, India. Chinese Librarianship, 36.

Thanuskodi, S. (2012). Use of E-resources by the Students and Researchers of the Faculty of Arts, Annamalai University. International Journal of Library Science, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.5923/j.library.20120101.01

https://www.academia.edu/29226879/ xploring_Library_Resources_by_the_Engineering_Colleges_Community_in_Goa_A_Study_pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345156173_Use_of_E-Resources_by_the_Users_of_Vishveshwarya_Technical_University_Library_A_Study

 https://www.nios.ac.in/