Learners’ perceptions on online library resources at Namibian College of Open Learning
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-11-2017-0126 |
| Pages | 597-606 |
| Published date | 08 October 2018 |
| Date | 08 October 2018 |
| Author | Elizabeth Matheus,Ruth Abankwah |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Learners’perceptions on online
library resources at Namibian
College of Open Learning
Elizabeth Matheus
International University of Management, Windhoek, Namibia, and
Ruth Abankwah
Department of Information and Communication Studies, University of Namibia,
Windhoek, Namibia
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to determinethe learners’perceptions on the use of online resources
at the NamibianCollege of Open Learning (NAMCOL) Yetu Yama ResourceCenter.
Design/methodology/approach –This study useda mixed methods researchapproach which was also
used by other researcherssuch as Hamutumwa (2014). It enabled the researchers to delve into the topicunder
study by conductinga survey using self-administered questionnairesto collect data from learners, and a semi-
structured interview guide,to collect data from the Librarian, the Director and tutors. Thetarget population
for the study was Grade 12 distance learnersregistered with NAMCOL for the academic year 2016, librarians
and tutors. Convenient sampling was used to select200 Grade 12 distance NAMCOL learners: one Director,
one Librarian and five tutors were purposefulselected as they manage the Yetu Yama Resource Centre. The
StatisticalPackage for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generatedescriptive data, while qualitative data
were manually analysedusing content analysis. This approach enabled the researcherto identify key themes
which emergedfrom the interviews.
Findings –Almost all the learners(159) opted for printed materials. The challenges experienced by learners
included slow internet,as indicated by 78 (39 per cent); limited facilities, 60 (30 per cent); andinability to find
relevant information, 46 (23 per cent), coupled with lack of proper guidance on the use of e-resources as
indicatedby 16 (8 per cent) learners.
Research limitations/implications –This study was limited to Yetu Yama Resource Center. The
resultscannot be generalised to all distance learners in Namibia.
Practical implications –The results of thisstudy could guide librarians in Namibia when planning and/
or upgradinge-resources.
Social implications –Once the learners are equipped with the required skills,they will make optimum
use of the e-resourceswhich are provided by NAMCOL.
Originality/value –This is the first study to be conducted at NAMCOL, and it is hopedthat the results
will be appliedto other tertiary institutions which offer distanceeducation in Namibia.
Keywords Information and communication technologies, Library resources, Online resources,
Distance learners, NAMCOL, Yetu Yama resource center
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Wilson (2006) emphasises the role user studies play in the provision of information about
existing library resources(books, journals and other formats of information resources).With
the wide spread use of advanced technologies, it is important to determine the extent to
which users use electronic resources (e-resources). It is equally important to make a clear
Online library
resources
597
Received30 November 2017
Revised19 March 2018
25July 2018
Accepted26 July 2018
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.119 No. 9/10, 2018
pp. 597-606
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-11-2017-0126
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2398-5348.htm
To continue reading
Request your trial