Knowledge and use of e-resources by medical researchers in Lagos State university college of medicine: A case study

ABSTRACT

Background: E-resources are one of the major sources of scientific information which provides the user with more precise and quick information. The completeness and quality of information accessible on electronic resources makes it dependable, reliable sources of information and knowledge production in the academic community. Information accessibility is pivotal in the health research environment as it helps in quick and effective response to challenges and complexities as they arise. However, the level of knowledge possessed by medical researchers in Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) is important for teaching, learning and research. Hence, this study evaluated knowledge and use of e-resources by medical researchers in LASUCOM. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population is 400 postgraduate students (MPH, resident doctors) and research scholars. The sample size is 200, representing 50% of the total population. Data were collected with the use of a structured questionnaire on knowledge and use of e-resources by the respondents. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, were used reporting the data. Results: The results revealed the knowledge of medical researchers about electronic resources including journals (91.8%), books (89.4%), theses/dissertations (82.3%). Also, electronic resources were used for the purpose of obtaining current information (78.8%) and for academic /study purposes (78.8%). PubMed/MEDLINE (96.5%), PubMed Central (92.9%), African Journals Online (92.9%) were the most preferred electronic resources used by postgraduate and medical researchers in LASUCOM. Conclusion: The study concluded that librarians should be trained to support researchers in the research process. The study recommended that librarians should create awareness about electronic resources available and accessible in the library. Also, the library should provide adequate user education on database interface usage and optimal search skill techniques for retrieval of relevant information in the Medical Library.