Abstract

It is one thing to acquire electronic information resources (EIRs) and quite another thing to use them. This paper explores several factors that motivate postgraduate researchers to use the e-resources available in their university libraries. The study reveals challenges that constitute inhibiting factors to EIRs use and strategies that will encourage maximum utilization are recommended. The research design adopted in this study is a descriptive survey. The sample size for the study is one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. The simple random sampling method was used to select five (5%) of the total population for the study. Two complementary instruments were used for collecting primary data; questionnaire and unstructured interview of Heads of ICT Unit of the university libraries. At varying percentages, the study reveals that PG students are motivated to use the EIRs in their university libraries because they found e-resources to be: More Informative; Easy access and use; Save time; more useful or Less expensive. The study also reveal that the challenges to use as: Insufficient computers with Internet facilities; Incessant power outage; Slow Internet connectivity; Lack of ICT skills; Difficulty in finding relevant information and inadequate IT Infrastructure. Strategies to improve motivation to use of EIRs, among others include: Increase ICT infrastructure/facilities; Have stable electrical backup Information Literacy Training for users.