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A USER MANUAL FOR ACCESSING AND UTILISING ELECTRONIC RESOURCES FOR BUSIA COMMUNITY LIBRARY SERVICES
The project study examined the access and utilization of electronic resources by the library users at Busia Comunity Library. The project aimed at designing a user manual for accessing and utilizing of Electronic resources for Busia Comunity Library services. The study used a case study research design while adopting qualitative research approach. Data collection methods included: unstructured Questionnaire and interviews, participant observation and document reviews to collect data on access and use of electronic resources. The study used a sample size of 38 who included: Thirty (30) library users and eight (8) library staff. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel software. The findings of the study revealed that: there were various services offered by the library including electronic resources but they are not maximally utilized by the library users. Further, Books are most preferred electronic resources and patrons are highly confortable with them. Additionally, access and utilization of electronic information is an important element of research activities for library users and a great physical space saving component to the library. Also, the study indicates that as electricity and Internet are most needed components to enable access to electronic resources. It was also found out that the benefits of using electronic resources outweighed the challenges. Identified challenges in the access and utilisation of e-resources, included: limited user education, computer illiteracy and limited skills among the library staff. The study therefore concludes: in order to maximally utilise the available e-resources at Busia Community library services, a user tool/manual was important. This would minimse on the number of challenges currently faced, hence optimum utilisation of the available resources. The study recommends adoption of the designed user manual to access and utilise electronic resources. Other recommendations include: Continuous user education programs which should be carried out by the administration of the library since the library users range from beneficiaries, potential and actual users of the resources so as to equip each type of user with the necessary skills for accessing and utilizing of the library‟s electronic resources to their full potential.
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