An ethnographic study of the utilisation of electronic library databases by academic staff in North-Central Nigeria.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
This ethnographic case study is an exploration of the utilisation of electronic
library databases by academic staff in North-Central Nigeria. The motivation for
this study stemmed from the researcher's experiences as a Subject Librarian as
well as context-specific issues that arose from the existing literature. For instance,
there was under-utilisation of e-library databases by academic staff at the University
of Jos, Plateau State, alongside similar institutions in North-Central Nigeria. Many
previous studies on the use of e-library databases by academic staff in Nigerian
universities were centred on the quantitative survey methodology. Hence, this
study aimed to improve an understanding of the personal/individual experiences,
environmental contexts and socio-cultural factors affecting academic staff e-library
database utilisation, through ethnographic research.
Accordingly, the Symbolic Interactionist Ethnography-SIE underpinned the study.
The application of the theory was anchored by the Interpretivist approach, which
was supported by the execution of a case study method of research in which
academics from the University of Jos, Plateau state and the Federal University of
Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue state were targeted. The probabilistic and non-probabilistic
sampling procedures were used in selecting participants. Specifically, the purposive and stratified sampling methods were used. The qualitative research approach adopted for the study gave the researcher the opportunity to elicit
detailed views of academics' perspectives on the phenomenon through
observation, photovoice, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions.
Also, documents were evaluated for triangulation of results. Data were
thematically analysed according to the criteria for trustworthiness, such as
credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. A constant comparison approach was used in the analysis of data. The study also compared findings from all sources of data collection and cases focused on in this study.
Consequently, the study's findings indicated academics engage with the e-library
databases for research from their offices, as the office is their workspace that
provides a suitable environment for the academics to engage in research and
prepare for lectures. The study's core results revealed academics' leaning toward
printed sources of information for teaching and research. The decision could be
linked to their human nature, individual differences, and personalities, such as a
resistance to change. The results revealed negative/unsatisfying experiences due to
several limitations, such as inadequate skills, and library staff assistance in
academics' use of online databases as the main reason for low use. Also, the results
showed shared experiences with colleagues in the faculty influenced academics'
use of e-library databases. The study further discovered a lack of interest in
academics' use of online library databases as the main reason for low usage. The study concluded that socio-cultural factors and environmental contexts affect
academics' utilisation of e-library databases. Therefore, the study recommends that
the university authorities scrupulously comprehend modern technology connected
with the organisational culture and encourage academic staff of its value and
benefits. There is as well the need for university libraries to develop e-database
policies and frequently review and update the policies and practices associated
with utilising e-library databases. The university management can do that by
establishing interventions to tackle inappropriate e-library database use. Finally,
actors in universities must be committed to integrating the socio-cultural work
environment as an intended benefit (essential factor) in enhancing e-library
database use.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.