Learning and library usage trends - a UTP case study

Abstract

With the proliferation of digital media, online libraries and pervasive use of Internet, learning and library usage of university students are dramatically changing. The needs to acquire materials and resources over the Internet are important. Therefore, library resources must be made available and accessible electronically. The paper presents a case study of university students who are pursuing engineering and technology disciplines on their learning trends vis-a-vis library usage. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit data for this study. A survey of undergraduate students and graduate students was used. The findings of this study indicate that majority of the students prefer to use the Internet than the library for finding information and to complete their work. As a result only a small proportion of student times are spent in the library. The role and functions of the library need to be relooked to meet the ever-challenging demands for university learning. To maintain relevancy, it is proposed that university libraries functions as an e-library and become digital repository of knowledge and digital conduits for broadband access to digital media and the Internet.