AVAILABILITY AND USE OF SCIENCE INFORMATION RESOURCES BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF FACULTY OF SCIENCES, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AZARE
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style: Available
- Recommended for : Student Researchers
- NGN 3000
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
The availability and use of science information resources are crucial for the academic success of undergraduate students, especially in faculties dedicated to health sciences. In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how educational institutions manage and disseminate information resources. This shift is driven by advancements in technology, changes in educational pedagogy, and the growing importance of information literacy (Aharony, 2017).
Information resources, particularly in the sciences, include a broad array of materials such as textbooks, academic journals, online databases, and multimedia content. These resources are essential for students to engage deeply with their subjects, perform research, and stay updated with the latest scientific advancements (Johnson et al., 2016). However, the accessibility and utilization of these resources can vary widely depending on the institution's infrastructure, funding, and the students' information-seeking behaviors.
Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, being a specialized institution, places a high emphasis on the availability of high-quality science information resources to support its undergraduate programs. The institution's library and online repositories are designed to provide comprehensive access to both traditional and digital information resources (Ojedokun & Owolabi, 2016). Despite these provisions, it is essential to assess how effectively these resources are being utilized by the students.
Several studies have highlighted the challenges faced by students in accessing and using information resources. For instance, Ugwu and Ezeani (2018) found that students often encounter difficulties related to inadequate library facilities, limited access to online resources, and lack of proper guidance on how to effectively use these resources. Additionally, the rapid increase in the availability of digital information resources has not always been matched by corresponding increases in information literacy among students, leading to underutilization of available resources (Anunobi & Mbagwu, 2016).
Moreover, the impact of these resources on students' academic performance cannot be overstated. Research indicates that there is a positive correlation between the use of academic resources and students' academic success. For instance, Onwudinjo and Okoh (2018) reported that students who frequently use library resources tend to perform better academically compared to those who do not. This underscores the importance of ensuring that students are not only aware of the available resources but also possess the skills necessary to utilize them effectively.
In the context of the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, understanding the availability and use of science information resources is particularly important given the institution's focus on health sciences. Students in this field require access to the latest research findings, case studies, and evidence-based resources to support their learning and professional development (Okiy, 2015). Thus, this study aims to investigate the availability and utilization of these resources by undergraduate students in the Faculty of Sciences, providing insights into current practices, challenges, and potential areas for improvement.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The availability and utilization of science information resources are critical for the academic success and research capabilities of undergraduate students, particularly within the Faculty of Sciences. At the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, it is imperative to understand the extent to which these resources are accessible and effectively utilized by students. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of adequate information resources in enhancing students' academic performance and research output (Mabawonku, 2018; Okebukola, 2015). However, there is a growing concern regarding the adequacy and accessibility of these resources in Nigerian universities.
In many higher education institutions in Nigeria, the provision of science information resources has been hampered by various challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and limited access to digital resources (Aina, 2017; Okiy, 2015). These issues have significant implications for the quality of education and research conducted by undergraduate students. For instance, studies have shown that a lack of access to current and relevant scientific information can hinder students' ability to conduct effective research, leading to subpar academic outcomes (Igun, 2016; Onuoha, 2018).
At the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, there is a need to investigate the current state of science information resources available to undergraduate students. This investigation should assess not only the physical availability of these resources but also their accessibility and usage patterns among students. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to enhance resource provision and utilization, thereby improving the overall academic experience and research productivity of students (Ogbomo, 2018; Ifijeh & Iwu-James, 2019).
Furthermore, the rapid advancement in information technology presents both opportunities and challenges for the availability and use of science information resources. While digital resources have the potential to bridge gaps in resource availability, issues such as digital literacy, internet connectivity, and the digital divide must be addressed to ensure equitable access (Ani et al., 2015; Salaam, 2017). It is therefore essential to examine how these factors influence the use of science information resources by students at the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare.
This study aims to address these gaps by exploring the availability and use of science information resources by undergraduate students in the Faculty of Sciences. By identifying the challenges and opportunities in this context, the study seeks to provide recommendations for enhancing the provision and utilization of these critical resources.
1.3 Objective of the study
- To assess the availability of science information resources in the Faculty of Sciences at the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare.
- To evaluate the extent to which undergraduate students utilize the available science information resources.
- To identify the challenges faced by undergraduate students in accessing and using science information resources.
1.4 Research Questions
- What types of science information resources are available to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Sciences?
- To what extent do undergraduate students in the Faculty of Sciences use the available science information resources?
- What are the challenges faced by undergraduate students in the Faculty of Sciences in accessing and using science information resources?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): The availability and use of science information resources by undergraduate students of faculty of sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences Azare is low.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The availability and use of science information resources by undergraduate students of faculty of sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences Azare is high.
1.6 Significance of the study
Enhanced Academic Performance
This study aims to investigate the availability and use of science information resources among undergraduate students, which could directly impact their academic performance. Understanding how these resources are utilized can help the university enhance the academic support provided to students, potentially leading to improved grades and higher academic achievement.
Improvement in Resource Allocation
By identifying which resources are most frequently used and valued by students, the study can guide the university in making more informed decisions about resource allocation. This ensures that investments are made in the most beneficial resources, optimizing the use of the university’s budget for educational materials and facilities.
Support for Curriculum Development
The findings of this study can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing science information resources. This information can be used by faculty and curriculum developers to enhance the curriculum, ensuring it aligns better with available resources and meets the educational needs of students more effectively.
Promotion of Effective Study Habits
Understanding how students use science information resources can help in developing strategies to promote effective study habits and resource utilization. This can lead to the creation of targeted training and orientation programs that teach students how to make the best use of available resources, thereby enhancing their learning experience.
Foundation for Future Research
This study can serve as a foundation for future research on the use of information resources in higher education. By establishing baseline data and identifying key trends and issues, subsequent studies can build on these findings to explore more specific aspects of information resource utilization, potentially leading to continuous improvement in educational practices.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to assess the availability of science information resources in the Faculty of Sciences at the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, evaluate the extent to which undergraduate students utilize the available science information resources, and identify the challenges faced by undergraduate students in accessing and using science information resources. Hence undergraduate students of faculty of sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences Azare shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Science Information Resources
These refer to various types of materials and tools used to support learning and research in the sciences. This includes textbooks, academic journals, online databases, laboratory manuals, and multimedia resources such as educational videos and software.
Undergraduate Students
Students who are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, typically engaged in completing their first cycle of higher education.
Faculty of Sciences
The academic division within the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare that encompasses various science departments and offers science-related undergraduate programs.
Availability
The extent to which science information resources are accessible to undergraduate students. This includes both physical access in libraries or labs and digital access through online platforms and databases.
Use
The manner and frequency with which undergraduate students engage with and utilize science information resources. This encompasses activities such as reading textbooks, accessing online journals, using laboratory equipment, and employing multimedia tools for learning and research purposes.
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