Assessing Utilization of Information Access Tools in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of National Teachers College Kabale.
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kabale University
Abstract
This Purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of information access tools in academic libraries. A case study of National Teachers College Kabale. It was guided by the following research objectives; identifying the types of information access tools used at National Teachers College Kabale, finding out the challenges faced by users when utilizing information resources at National Teachers College Kabale and suggesting possible solutions to the challenges faced by users in utilizing available information resources at National Teachers College Kabale. A qualitative case study research design was preferred because it helped the researcher to study the selected issues in depth. The sample size comprised of 180 respondents. Observation method, interviewing method and document review method were the data collection methods used by the researcher. The study findings revealed that different types of information access tools were used at National Teachers College Kabale and they include among others catalogues, indexes, abstracts, classification schemes, bibliographies, search engines and subject directories. It was evident that difficulty in locating library materials for quicker information search was the major challenge faced by students in utilizing available information resources at National Teachers College Kabale followed by inadequate ICT Literacy Skills. Inadequate well trained information workers, lack of awareness of library users to information resources, improper accurate information, inadequate funds to procure ICT tools were also among the challenges faced while training of staff, recruitment of qualified library staff, provision of different information materials, provision of internet facilities, creation of awareness and finally government funding were pointed out by respondents as possible solutions to the challenges faced by students in utilizing available information resources in National Teachers College Kabale.
Description
Keywords
Assessing, Utilization, Information Access Tools, Academic Libraries, National Teachers College, Kabale.
Citation
Arimpwera, Phiona (2022). Assessing Utilization of Information Access Tools in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of National Teachers College Kabale. Kabale: Kabale University.