An Empirical Study on Knowledge, Access and Utilization of Electronic Resources by University Students in Philippines

Objective – In view of the substantial investment in electronic resources, it is imperative that libraries ensure the maximum utilization of these materials. Three hundred and eighty-two university students from seven colleges of a private sectarian university in Iloilo City, Philippines were surveyed to determine the knowledge, access, and utilization of electronic resources in its University Library. This research looked into the relationship between the personal profile of the respondents and their level of knowledge about electronic resources and the correlation of respondents’ knowledge as to the relationship with the extent of utilization of electronic resources in terms of purpose. Methods – This is a descriptive-correlational study that utilized the one-shot survey design. Multi-stage sampling was used to determine the number of respondents of the study. A validated and pilot tested self-made questionnaire was used in collecting data for this study. Frequency count, Percentage, Chi square test, Cramer’s V, and Gamma were the statistical tools employed in the study to analyze the data gathered. Results – The result of the study revealed that respondents were moderately knowledgeable about electronic resources. Majority of the respondents have accessed specific online databases occasionally and in various places of access. Electronic resources were utilized by the majority of the respondents for the purpose of research. Further, respondents’ access was dependent on their knowledge about electronic resources. Moreover, with regards to their knowledge and access to type of online databases, it shows that respondents’ knowledge about electronic resources had a correlation as to the type of online databases accessed and the place of access. The respondents’ knowledge also shows a relationship with the extent of utilization of electronic resources in terms of purpose. Conclusion –The study concludes that knowledge about electronic resources is not sufficient to encourage utilization of resources. This study advances that familiarity through firsthand experience is important in order to adopt change, particularly, on innovations that integrates technology.