Electronic Library Resources

: Meeting user needs in a Further Education College Library

Crynodeb

The aim of the research was to investigate how well libraries in Further Education Colleges were meeting the electronic resources needs of users. The objectives were to ascertain the range of electronic resources that are available in FE Libraries, examine the factors that determine what electronic resources are made available, identify the extent to which these e-resources are being used and look at factors that maybe a barrier to the use of electronic resources. The research was conducted among two Further Education Colleges. The method undertaken included a group administered questionnaire and face to face semistructured interviews. Both the questionnaire and interviews were successful despite scheduling issues at both colleges which resulted in a low response rate for the questionnaire at one of the colleges. The results showed that both college libraries provide a wide range of electronic resources. Some of the factors that determine what electronic resources are made available include reading lists, request from tutors, cost, content and compatibility issues. The most used electronic resource was the Internet and Email while other electronic resources such as Databases, E-books, E-journals and the Library Catalogue were less widely used. The results also showed that the majority of learners at both colleges have had some form of information skills training and most of them are satisfied with the electronic resources available. Some of the barriers to using electronic resources include technical problems accessing the electronic resources, student’s lack of information skills and lack of awareness of what is available. This research has shown it is essential that libraries continue to promote its services and collaborate with tutors on the use of e-resources and information skills training. E-resources should also be reviewed and monitored vigorously to ensure they are fit for purpose and are meeting the needs of users

Dyddiad Dyfarnu	2015
Iaith wreiddiol	Saesneg
Sefydliad Dyfarnu	Prifysgol Aberystwyth
Goruchwyliwr	Sarah Higgins (Goruchwylydd)