University students’ perceptions on library services and resources in meeting academic needs: a case of undergraduate students, University of Dar es salaam
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Date
2014
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University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
University libraries are considered to play a central role in providing academic materials and services to students and other users. The main library at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania is the oldest library in the country that offers various services and resources to the users especially students and other scholars. This study examined the perceptions of the UDSM final year undergraduate students regarding the services and resources provided by UDSM in meeting academic needs. It was carried out at the University of Dar es Salaam Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Campus. The study employed a case study research design which involved both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. A total of 310 respondents comprised the sample, which included undergraduate university final year students, librarians and the library director. The participants were selected randomly and purposively. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary review. Quantitative data were analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science SPSS wherein percentages, tables, frequencies were presented. Qualitative data on the other hand were subjected to content analysis. The study established that most of the respondents were not aware of the resources and services offered by the UDSML due to lack of enough information on library resources and services offered. Students were also not satisfied with the library services and resources as these were not sufficient enough to cater for the needs of all the students. On the basis of the findings the study recommends that the UDSML management should increase funding for the library through fund raising campaigns. Also some of the fees collected from students should be paid directly to the library for holstering its capital for-example Tshs 100,000/= per student of the tuition could go to the library. Also library literacy information should be integrated in the university curriculum to make each student take it as a compulsory course. The UDSML should also make sure that all services and resources offered at the library are well known to all students who should be encouraged to use of them. This study explored perception of the undergraduate final year students only and, so, there is a need to carry out a study that includes perceptions of the post graduate students on the use of the library services and resources to meet academic needs as well.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF Z718.7.F36 )
Keywords
Undergraduates, Library services, University of Dar es Salaam, Libraries and students
Citation
Fanuely, E. (2014) University students’ perceptions on library services and resources in meeting academic needs: a case of undergraduate students, University of Dar es salaam, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.