Utilization of Open Access Library Resources by Postgraduate Students at Karatina University, Kenya

Abstract

Open Access (OA) are research publications published in scholarly journals or institutional repositories online without restrictions. It enables end users to consume, transfer and reproduce the full text of scholarly works in their fields of study. OA library resources support academic and research within institutions of higher learning as it strives to provide an alternative solution in a place where there is no equality in information and knowledge. The pursuit and use of OA library resources reduces the information divide between developed and less developed countries. Despite the availability of the OA library resources, there is still low uptake of OA library resources in Kenyan universities. The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of OA library resources by postgraduate students. Objective of this study was to determine challenges facing utilization of open access library resources by post graduate students. The study employed descriptive research design while both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings established that there were internet challenges, information overload and inadequate awareness on the availability of OA library resources. The study recommends the increase of awareness of OA library resources and services, increase internet speed, conducting training on OA library resources and services for library staff as well as students