How Post Graduate Students Use and Access Electronic Resources in the Universities of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Purpose: Easy availability and accessibility of information in multi-formats, advancement in tech savvy tools and improvement in information organization have led to the heavy use of electronic sources of information. Same is expected about the students pursuing various courses in different universities of Jammu and Kashmir. The paper explores, analyses and discusses the use of electronic sources of information by the students pursuing various courses in the universities of Jammu & Kashmir. Design/methodology/approach: To explore the use of electronic sources of information, a total of 927 students using stratified random sampling were selected from four universities of Jammu & Kashmir. Sample was taken in accordance to the population ratio from each of the select universities. A welldrafted questionnaire was used as a data gathering tool and was personally distributed among all the students. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Findings: The use of electronic sources of information has increased among the university students by the introduction of Information Technology. There is a transformation from the traditional way of seeking information towards the tech savvy mode. Students mainly use laptops for seeking their desired information. Internet and Newspapers are mostly used to stay updated. The awareness and assistance regarding the use of electronic sources of information is mostly given by friends and teachers rather than library staff. The study also reveals that students face a number of physical problems including strain in eyes and neck while accessing electronic sources of information. Practical implications: The paper is highly applicable to the administrators and managers of university setups to understand the use and impact of electronic sources on the university students in the digital environment. It will further help the university libraries to subscribe qualitative electronic resources and launch awareness as well as assistance programs among the users to enhance their information literacy skills.