The study examined access to library information resources by university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. It identified the measures adopted by academic libraries to ensure the smooth delivery of library information resources to students, the digital technological tools used by libraries to facilitate access, and the challenges faced by students in accessing library information resources.
The findings revealed that the majority of academic libraries in Africa adopted remote access to library resources, virtual reference services, circulation and lending services, online user education programs, and research support services to facilitate students' access to library information resources during the pandemic. Academic libraries utilized various digital tools, such as social media, library websites, email, and video conferencing, to support students' access to library resources.
However, the study also identified several challenges faced by university students, including limited access to internet services, inadequate electronic library collections, and insufficient digital and information literacy skills. These challenges hindered students' ability to access library information resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study recommends that academic libraries in Africa invest in ICT infrastructures and expand their electronic resource collections to better support students' access to library information resources during emergencies or disasters. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve digital and information literacy skills among university students to enhance their ability to navigate and utilize library resources in a digital environment.
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by Joyce Charle... at arxiv.org 04-16-2024
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.08682.pdfDeeper Inquiries