Awareness and Utilisation of Electronic Databases by Undergraduate Students for Improved Academic Performance in Federal College of Education, Okene, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the awareness and utilisation of electronic databases among undergraduate students for improved academic performance in the Federal College of Education, Okene, Nigeria. The study was necessitated by the growing importance of electronic information resources in academic libraries and the need for students to effectively utilise subscribed databases for learning, research, and academic development. The study also examined among other objectives: awareness of undergraduate students of the availability of electronic databases; frequency of use of electronic databases; challenges in the use of electronic databases; strategies to promote the awareness and utilsation of e-databases. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised undergraduate students of the Federal College of Education, Okene, from which a sample of 200 respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores with a decision benchmark of 2.50. The findings revealed that students were aware of several electronic databases such as Academic Search, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Nexis Uni, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed/Medline, although the level of awareness differed across the databases. The study also revealed a moderate frequency of electronic database usage among students, with certain resources experiencing underutilisation. Major challenges identified included lack of awareness, inadequate access to computers, poor internet connectivity, insufficient information retrieval skills, inadequate training, and limited digital facilities. Furthermore, the study revealed that strategies such as library orientation programmes, user education, marketing of electronic resources, improved internet services, provision of digital facilities, and regular training for both students and library staff would enhance awareness and utilisation of electronic databases. The study concluded that increased awareness, improved infrastructure, and continuous information literacy training are essential for enhancing students’ academic performance through effective use of electronic databases.