International Journal of Library

Science and Research (IJLSR)

ISSN(P): 2250-2351; ISSN(E): 2321-0079
Vol. 6, Issue 3, Jun 2016, 45-54
TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCESAMONG THE FACULTY

MEMEBRS IN THE ENGINEERING COLLEGE LIBRARIES: A STUDY
RAMA SUBBA REDDY, P
Librarian, Annamacharya Institute of Technology & Sciences, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
ABSTRACT
An attempt has been made to determine the present status of knowledge and use of Electronic Information
Services. It was observed that use of Electronic Information Services is still inadequate among the Engineering faculty
of the colleges in the developing countries. This paper presents the findings of a survey to about the knowledge and use
of Electronic Information Services by Faculty members through Online Databases, CD-ROM Databases, e-Journals,
e-Books and OPAC etc. available in the Engineering College Libraries. For evaluating study questions and data
collection, the questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 200 faculty members. The result of this survey are
presented and discussed in this paper.
KEYWORDS: Electronic Information Services, CD-ROM Databases, e-Journals, e-Books

INTRODUCTION
In todays rapid changing world, information needs and knowledge seekers are met through a plethora of
sources. The digital resources available in a library play a prominent role in facilitating access to required

Original Article

Received: Apr 29, 2016; Accepted: May 11, 2016; Published: May 27, 2016; Paper Id.: IJLSRJUN201607

information to the users in an easy and expeditious manner. Further, one need not go to the library to make use of
print formats as the digital resource can be made use of by any user through online access via networks or
authentication methods at any time by comfortably sitting at hoe or office. However, it is imperative that one
should be familiar with the use and exploitation of digital resources for their quicker and effective usage. Further,
digital resources can also be used for efficient retrieval. Thus, digital resources in a library play a significant role
in academic libraries as they are mostly tuned for the promotion of academic excellence and research. In view of
all this, digital resources like CD-ROM database, online databases, online journals, OPACs and Internet etc are
slowly replacing the importance and usage of print media1.
Todays users have their information needs met via a number of options. They not come physically to the
library to use print formats but can stay at home or the office and access online library resources and services via
network method at any time2.
The primary objective of the Electronic Information Services division introduced by webonautics is to
put together a network of resources and utilities for the Digital Media. The Electronic Information Services
division will offer resources and utilities digital media and online library.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The scope of the study is limited to the knowledge and usage of Electronic Information Services in order

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Rama Subba Reddy, P

to fulfill academic needs of users. It focuses on the Electronic Information Services and Resources available in the
Engineering College Libraries.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study, where to determine the knowledge of computers and use of e-resources available
in the library and on Internet.

To identify the frequency of the visit to library by the faculty of the Engineering

To identify the purposes for which the faculty may visit the library.

To evaluate the knowledge of computer literacy.

To know how the users utilize e-resources efficiently and effectively.

To know the knowledge and use of electronic resources on Internet in the library

METHODOLOGY
Keeping in view the objectives in mind, a questionnaire was prepared to collect data from the faculty members of
the following engineering colleges affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Andhra Pradesh, India:

Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Rajampet

Kandula Sivananda Reddy Memorial College of Engineering, Kadapa

Kandula Obul Reddy Memorial College of Engineering, Kadapa

Madina Engineering College, Kadapa

Sri Venkateswara Institute of Science and Technology, Kadapa

Sri Sai Institute of Technology and Sciences, Rayachoti

Vagdevi Institute of Technology and Sciences, Proddatur

The researchers have undertaken the survey in the month of December 2009 over 20 days. There are 600 faculty

members working in these colleges. Copies of questionnaire are distributed to 225 faculty members. However,
(the investigators received responses from the) 200 faculty members only responded by returning completed
questionnaires. The data collected from the questionnaire has been analyzed and presented in the Tabular form.

DATA ANALYSIS
The Subject of Users
The data collected through the survey was organized and presented in the form of tables and graphs.
The regarding the sample population relating to their subject specialties was presented in the Table 1
Table 1: Subject Wise Sample Users Data
Disciplines
Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
Impact Factor (JCC): 3.5789

Samples
40
45
45

Percentage
20
22.50
22.50
Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 6.1

Impact of Electronic Resources among the Faculty

Members in the Engineering College Libraries: A Study

47

Table 1: Contd.,
Information Technology (IT)
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Total

45
25
200

22.50
12.50
100

The data in Table 1 shows that the sample of users consists of 22.5 percent each from Electronics and
Communication Engineering (ECE), Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and Information Technology (IT). Mechanical
Engineering (ME) raise to 12.5 percent and Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) total to 20 percent among the
universe of sample users.
The data depicts that ECE, CSE and IT Faculty are leading in sample data followed by EEE. The response rate is
quite good enough among the faculty users in engineering colleges.
How Frequency Do You Use a Computer
The respondents have been asked the frequency use of computer. It is evident in the Table 2
Table 2: How Frequency Do You Use a Computer
Spending
Daily
2 or 3 times in aweek
Once in a week
Once in a month
Total

EEE
16(40)
15(37.5)
5(12.50)
4(10)
40(100)

ECE
26(57.78)
17(37.78)
2(4.44)
0
45(100)

CSE
33(73.33)
12(26.67)
0
0
45(100)

IT
27(60)
13(28.89)
4(8.89)
(2.22)
45(100)

ME
12(48)
10(40)
2(8)
1(4)
25(100)

Total
114(57)
67(33.50)
13(6.50)
6(3)
200(100)

Majority users from all categories prefer to use computers daily. The CSE among all other category stand highest
with 73.33 percent use a computer daily followed by the IT 45 percent and EEE ranked in last with 40 percent among daily
using the computers.
The data regarding the total users show that majority users in general prefer to use a computer daily which rises to
57 per cent among the sample data. Among these the CSE rank the highest daily uses the computers while the EEE are the
lowest.
Do You Use Internet
The respondents have been asked the frequency of use of Internet. It is evident in the Table 3
Table 3: Do You Use Internet
Spending
Daily
2 or 3 times in a week
Once in a week
Once in a month
Total

EEE
11(27.50)
11(27.50)
11(27.50)
7(17.50)
40(100)

ECE
16(35.55)
22(48.89)
6(13.33)
1(2.23)
45(100)

CSE
22(48.89)
18(40)
4(8.88)
1(2.23)
45(100)

IT
16(35.55)
21(46.67)
7(15.55)
1(2.23)
45(100)

ME
7(28)
10(40)
6(24)
2(8)
25(100)

Total
72(36)
82(41)
34(17)
12(6)
200(100)

Majority users from all categories prefer to use the internet daily. The CSE among all other category stand highest
with 48.89 percent use an internet daily followed by the IT and ECE 45 percent and EEE ranked in last with 27.5 percent
among daily use the internet. The data regarding the total users show that majority users in general prefer to use the
internet daily which rises to 36 per cent among the sample data. Among these the CSE rank the highest in daily using the
internet while the EEE are the lowest.

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Use of Librarys Electronic Resources

The respondents have been asked about the use of the Librarys Electronic Resources in the Engineering
Colleges Libraries. Data prescribed in the Table 4
Table 4: Use of Librarys Electronic Resources
Use of Electronic
Resources
YES
NO
Total

EEE

ECE

30(75)
10(25)
40(100)

38(84.44)
7(15.56)
45(100)

CSE
37(82.22)
8(17.78)
45(100)

IT
40(88.89)
5(11.11)
45(100)

ME
19(76)
6(24)
25(100)

Total
164(82)
36(18)
200(100)

The data in table 4 shows that majority of the respondents 82 percent using the Librarys Electronic Resources,
while 18 percent are not use the Librarys Electronic Resources.
It can be concluded that majority of the respondents are using the Librarys Electronic Resources the IT
disciplines ranked high among with EEE, ECE, CSE and ME disciplines.
Frequency of Access Electronic Resources
The respondents have been asked the frequency of access to electronic resources. The data provided in the Table 5
Table 5: Frequency of Access to the Electroic Resources
Spending
Daily
At least once in a week
At least once in a month
Less than once in a month
Total

EEE
5(12.50)
20(50)
5(12.50)
10(25)
40(100)

ECE
13(28.89)
22(48.89)
4(8.89)
6(13.33)
45(100)

CSE
16(35.56)
20(44.44)
5(11.11)
4(8.89)
45(100)

IT
11(24.44)
22(48.89)
7(15.56)
5(11.11)
45(100)

ME
7(28)
8(32)
1(4)
9(36)
25(100)

Total
52(26)
92(46)
22(11)
34(17)
200(100)

Majority users from all categories prefer to access the electronic resources daily. The CSE among all other
category stand highest with 35.56 percent access the electronic resources daily followed by the ECE 28.89 percent and
EEE ranked in last with 12.5 percent among daily access the electronic resources. The data regarding the total users show
that majority users in general prefer to access the electronic resource daily which rises to 26 percent among the sample
data. Among these the CSE rank the highest by daily using the internet while the EEE are the lowest.
Which Electronic Resources Have Been Accessing
The respondents have been asked the different types of electronic resources and services. It is evident from the
Table 6
Table 6: Which Electronic Resources Have Been Accessing
Resource
Web OPAC
CD-ROM Databases
Internet
e-books
Online Databases
Online Journals
Audio & Video Devices
Total

Impact Factor (JCC): 3.5789

EEE
0
0
26(65)
7(17.50)
1(2.50)
3(7.50)
3(7.50)
40(100)

ECE
0
5(11.11)
18(40)
7(15.56)
0
10(22.22)
5(11.11)
45(100)

CSE
1(2.22)
5(11.11)
18(40)
8(17.78)
2(4.45)
5(11.11)
6(13.33)
45(100)

IT
1(2.22)
4(8.89)
24(53.33)
10(22.22)
2(4.45)
3(6.67)
1(2.22)
45(100)

ME
0
1(4)
12(48)
2(8)
2(8)
5(20)
3(12)
25(100)

Total
2(1)
15(17.50)
98(49)
7(3.50)
7(3.50)
26(13)
18(9)
200(100)

Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 6.1

Impact of Electronic Resources among the Faculty

Members in the Engineering College Libraries: A Study

49

The data from the table 6 shows that majority users 49 percent access for internet in the library followed by online journals 13 percent. CD-ROM stands third with 17.5 percent among the use. A considerable users 9 percent use audio
and video devices in he library. E-books ranks least in the score of using.
The analysis depicts that majority users use internet and on-line journals in the libraries.
Previous Experience in using of E-Resoorces
A question has been posted to the respondents about the previous experience of use or using e-resources. The data
presented in the table 7
Table 7: Previous Experience in using of E-Resoorces
Previous Experience
YES
NO
Total

EEE
15
25
40

ECE
28
17
45

CSE
32
13
45

IT
24
21
45

ME
13
12
25

Total
112(56)
88(44)
200(100)

The data in table 7 shows that majority of the respondents 56 having are having previous experience in the using
of Electronic Resources while 44 percent are no previous experience in the using of Electronic Resources.
It can be concluded that majority of the respondents are have previous experience in the using of Electronic
Resources.
Use of Electronic Resources
The respondents have been asked about the usefulness of available e-resources in the databases in information
handling it is seen from the Table 8
Table 8: Use of Electronic Resources
Information
YES
NO
Total

EEE
38(95)
2(5)
40(100)

ECE
44(97.78)
1(2.22)
45(100)

CSE
38(84.44)
7(15.56)
45(100)

IT
38(84.44)
7(15.56)
45(100)

ME
21(84)
4(16)
25(100)

Total
179(89.50)
21(10.50)
200(100)

The data in table 8 shows that majority of the respondents 89.5 percent are usefulness of available e-resources
while 10.5 percent are no usefulness of available e-resources.
It can be concluded that majority of the respondents are usefulness of available e-resources ECE disciplines
compared with EEE, IT, CSE and ME disciplines.
Knowledge about Electronic Information Services
The respondents have been asked how they come to know about Electronic Information Services. The data can
seen from the Table 9
Table 9: Knowledge about Electronic Information Services
Delegation
From Friends
From the Librarys Website
From Librarian
Total

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EEE
14(35)
15(37.50)
11(27.50)
40(100)

ECE
21(46.67)
9(20)
15(33.33)
45(100)

CSE
16(35.56)
12(26.66)
17(37.78)
45(100)

IT
20(44.44)
11(24.45)
14(31.11)
45(100)

ME
9(36)
5(20)
11(44)
25(100)

Total
80(40)
52(26)
68(34)
200(100)

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Rama Subba Reddy, P

The data in table 9 shows that majority of the respondents 40 percent are knowledge the electronic information
services from the friends, 26 percent of the respondents are from the librarys website.
It can be concluded that majority of the respondents are knowledge the electronic information services from
friends compared with others.
How Motivated Are You in Learning and using the Librarys Electronic Resources
The respondents have been asked how motivated are learning and using the librarys Electronic Resources. It is
seen from the Table 10.
Table 10
Highly Motivated
Motivated
Not Motivated
Total

EEE
6(15)
29(72.50)
5(12.50)
40(100)

ECE
6(13.33)
36(80)
3(6.67)
45(100)

CSE
12(26.67)
30(66.66)
3(6.67)
45(100)

IT
8(17.78)
30(66.66)
7(15.56)
45(100)

ME
2(8)
19(76)
4(16)
25(100)

Total
34(17)
144(72)
22(11)
200(100)

The data in table 10 shows that majority of the respondents 72 percent are motivated in the learning and using the
librarys electronic resources, 11 percent of the respondents are not motivated.
It can be concluded that majority of the respondents are motivated in the learning and using the librarys
electronic resources.

FINDINGS
On the basis of preceding chapters the following findings were drawn and provided the suggestions for the better
use of electronic information services.

The users under survey are in the Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology and
Mechanical Engineering.

45 percent of the users are belonging to the age group 28 and above.

The male and female ratio of the users responded is 14 : 5.

Majority of the respondents visit the library daily.

Majority of the respondents visit the library for All Sections (Reference Books, Borrowing Books, News Papers
and Magazines).

Majority of the respondents visit the (other libraries like) public library.

96.5 percent of the respondents are using the computers.

59.5 percent of the respondents are using personal computers at the home.

Nearly 97 percent of users of Electronics background are bearing knowledge of computer both Advanced and
average, total about 87 percent of the users have knowledge in operation of the computer.

60 percent of the respondents are access the networked computer at Department.

Impact Factor (JCC): 3.5789

Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 6.1

Impact of Electronic Resources among the Faculty

Members in the Engineering College Libraries: A Study

51

It is found 73 percent of the users handle and operating computers daily.

Nearly 49 percent of the respondents are using the Internet everyday.

Most of the (82 percent) respondents are using the Librarys Electronic Resources.

36 percent of the users Access the Electronic Resources everyday.

Nearly half of the respondents are using electronic resources on INTERNET.

21 percent of the respondents are using the librarys e-resources from home.

Nearly 56 percent of the respondents are informed that their previous experience of in using electronic resources.

Most of the (86 percent) respondents are expressed that the electronic resources are more useful in information
finding.

Nearly 40 percent of the respondents are come to know about electronic information services.

Most of the (72 percent) respondents are motivated in learning and using the Librarys electronic resources.

SUGGESTIONS
The following suggestions are furnished here from the research survey. They are summarized and presented here.

It is suggested a proper training or orientation may be give to the users especially beginners in computer literacy.

All the College libraries must periodically conduct intensive training programmes for users regarding how to use
Electronic Resources (online journals and online databases etc.)

It is suggested to establish more computers in the concerned departments for use and access the campus network.

Some colleges are not able to subscribed E-journals because of heavy price. So researcher suggests that the
publishers are requested to reduce the E-journals price.

The librarian has to allot more time to the users for that he has to acquire more computers to the digital library.

It is suggested librarian has to take to motivate the users of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering towards the use
of electronic resources other than recreation purpose through orientation programmes.

Users are experiencing problems in gathering information from the internet suitable measures are to be taken to
overcome this such as allowing CDs, Printing facilities, should be provided under the supervision of the library
staff. The numbers of terminals are also to be increased as was insisted by majority of the respondents.

In order to solve the slow downloading problem in the college libraries has to acquire high-speed internet
connectivity with maximum bandwidth.

Most of the users are not aware of web OPAC, e-journals, and CD-ROM class room lectures. Library should
conduct user awareness program and identify the non users of electronic information services and proper steps
should be taken to convert them into users of the electronic services.

It is suggested that the librarian provide the faculty of training to the INTERNET users by organizing workshops

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Rama Subba Reddy, P

computer literacy programmes and orientation programmes etc.

User training is essential for the better use of electronic resources and services in the library.

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