Perceived Usefulness of E-books by Undergraduates in Two Selected Private Universities in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ilorin Varsity International Journal of Library & Information Science
Abstract
Abstract
This study examined the perceived usefulness of e-books by undergraduate students in two
selected private universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. Survey design was adopted while the
target population was undergraduate students from Al-Hikman and Landmark Universities.
Three research questions were developed to guide the study. The findings on the students’
preference for e-books to printed books reveal that majority of the undergraduates indicated
preference for e- book to print book. Findings show that undergraduates use e-books because
it allow multiple access and use from remote locations, possession of better quality graphics,
display flexibilities and colour. Similarly, they can easily copy and paste from e-books, couple
with ease of storage, ease of reading on the screen and ease of sharing among colleagues. The
findings further reveal that majority of undergraduates use e-books 2 to 3 times a month,
followed by once in a month and 2 to 3 times a week. Majority of undergraduates perceived
e-books is useful because it allows them to download and bookmark for future reference; and
also that e-books contains citations and hyperlinks that links to other useful resources. The
major challenges reported confronting undergraduates in their use of e-boos are development
of eye problem, inadequate access to the internet and incessant power outage. Based on the
findings, the study recommend among others that since majority of respondents prefer e-books,
the two universities are encourage to make provision for more e-books. Doing this may perhaps
change the mind of the limited percentage that indicated preference for print books over e books.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: Perceived usefulness, Electronic books, Use of electronic books, Private universities, Undergraduate students.