Access of Electronic Resources in Engineering College Libraries of Assam: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to analyze and evaluate the use of web based-resources by the engineering college libraries of Assam. It covers the different types of academic users including faculty members, students and research scholars. It aims to consider the various factors of e-resources usage such as purposes, impact, importance, problems, acceptance, and satisfaction with e-resources. The survey was conducted with the help of a structured questionnaire followed by interview as and where it was felt necessary. Two formats of questionnaire were prepared; first, a printed format and second, an electronic format using Google Docs spreadsheet. The data so collected were analyzed and interpreted with the help of MS Excel. The study finds many aspects of e-resources use among engineering academics of Assam. It reveals that engineering college library users are using many types of e-resources. Using the e-resources, their academic/professional competency also improved. The teaching methodology also involved the e-resources uses and the students’ ability was also affected in a positive manner by this methodology. Some problems were also explored in using eresources. The majority of users were quite satisfied with using e-resources. The study was an attempt to evaluate the use of e-resources by users of engineering college libraries of Assam. Results from the study are encouraging and it is hoped that the findings will provide meaning and a useful platform for further research as well as usability among engineering academics will also be improved.