The utilisation of electronic databases by postgraduate students in the faculty of humanities at the University of Limpopo

Abstract

This study examined whether postgraduate students in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Limpopo are aware of, and are using electronic databases optimally to locate information for their academic research. The study employed a quantitative research design through the use of a questionnaire as a data collection method to determine students’ accessibility and levels of awareness of electronic databases; to measure the extent to which they use electronic databases for academic research; to assess the form of training which they attended on the use of electronic databases; to identify factors that determine their usage and non-usage of electronic databases; and to establish challenges that they encounter in using electronic databases. The accidental sampling method was used to select the participants. The study found that most participants are aware of the existence of electronic databases. Even if they indicated to have used some of these databases at UL library, it appears that they are referring to Google and Google Scholar. This is despite the fact that the majority of them showed to have attended some sort of training on the use of electronic databases. Factors that influence their choice and use of specific electronic databases include familiarity, unlimited access, multidisciplinary as well as their capabilities. Problems and challenges encountered in the use of electronic databases are related to remote access. It becomes difficult for them to access these databases when they are not on campus. Lack of knowledge and skills to search these electronic databases effectively hindered their optimal usage. Other problems identified by postgraduate students include: slow internet connectivity; inadequately networked computers; lack of access to low-cost printing facilities in the library; inability to use advanced search strategies on most databases; and a lack of awareness of most e-resources. It is recommended that studies of this nature should be conducted in other faculties so that the library should identify electronic databases that are not used and to consider cancelling subscriptions to unused electronic databases in order to save costs.