The use of electronic databases by post graduate students at King Abdul Aziz University library

Abstract

The electronic database offers libraries tremendous opportunities to provide useful information services to users and to gain access to up to date electronic information resources which available in digital formats. The main purpose of the study is to determine whether electronic databases made available by King Abdul Aziz University library are actually being used by the target population for whom they were acquired. As well as to understand how students find the existing electronic databases and their satisfaction with electronic databases and library services. Another issue that was investigated the perception of end-users which may enlighten the library administration and provides an overall picture of the students’ attitudes, perception towards electronic databases in Saudi university libraries. The population of the study includes all students of faculty of science, engineering and Library department students. Survey research method was employed to conduct the research, beside questionnaires were distributed; and students were asked to share their opinions and state their problems. Descriptive Statistic method was employed for the analysis of the data. This study found that majority of respondents is considered to be intermediate users of electronic databases. A large number of King Abdul Aziz University post graduate students are satisfied with their electronic databases. In addition to these, the lack of trained staff, language proficiency and availability of full text option are the major reasons that would discourage users from accessing the electronic databases in King Abdul Aziz University. The library should develop and improve its electronic databases by subscribing to electronic journals that provide full text options and conduct user study programs to know more about electronic information needs of the users.