Authors : Wamalwa Lucas Wanangeye; DR. Maina; Martha Thuo

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mt2pt53y

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8340811

Abstract : In order to enhance the delivery of its services, the Kibabii University (KIBU) library has incorporated information communication technologies (ICTs) into all of its functions. In order to guarantee that postgraduate students, have access to academic information and other associated services, KIBU management has made a sizable investment in offering internet-based information technology. The internet- based information technologies are underutilized, according to KIBU studies conducted in the past. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how postgraduate students use internet-based information technologies to access academic content and to propose a model for enhancing postgraduate students' access to and usage of internet-based information technologies. The objectives of the study were to: assess the internet-based information technologies available; determine perceptions and attitude of postgraduate students towards internet-based information technologies; determine the awareness of training programs; and examine postgraduate student’s information needs on the internet-based information technologies. The study was guided by Davis's (1989) Theory of Technological Acceptance (TAM). Some quantitative research approaches were combined with qualitative research methodologies. The descriptive research approach was employed to help measure data trends and compare variables as it aims to accurately and systematically describe a situation, phenomenon or population. Slovin's technique was used in conjunction with basic random sampling to identify 316 postgraduate students as informants. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather the data, along with observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and displayed using frequency distribution tables and bar charts, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on the objectives and study questions. Postgraduate students used a range of internet-based information technologies (IBITs), had restricted access to computers and the internet, and when provided help, had a good attitude toward utilizing IBITs, according to the study's findings. Additionally, they had taken training courses for libraries. The study finds that, despite the presence of a sufficient ICT infrastructure and a variety of IBITs at the KIBU library, difficulties have prevented their efficient use of the IBITs. Increased marketing efforts, ongoing ICT and information skills training, and improvements to internet facilities and infrastructure are among the proposals given.

Keywords : Access, Information Seeking, Information Need, Internet-Based Information Technologies.