Impact Assessment of E-journal Usage in University Libraries of Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose University library provides information and other knowledge resources to the research scholars and other users. E-journals are the vital resources for the researchers and scholars in the modern age. This study has made an attempt to assess the impact of ejournal usage in the university libraries of Bangladesh. E-journals are necessary resources for information seekers, e.g. researchers, faculty members, students and others. Sometimes the usage of e-journals and their level of satisfaction fully depends on the performance of the library. This study has been conducted for identifying present status, level of satisfaction, purpose, impact, problems and suggestions to overcome the existing problems. Methodology In conducting this research the survey method was applied and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data and information. The respondents were academics and research students who are the frequent users of the e-journals. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected in the survey. In the literature review section, a number of literatures have been reviewing, i.e. research reports, journal articles, books and conference papers on the different aspects of e-journals. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to 10 university library users to obtain feedback of e-journals and determine their conceptual issues, present status, purpose and impact of e-journals on academics. Among 120, we received 100 questionnaires and 50 faculty members and 50 research students. Responses to closed-ended questions in particular on 7-point Likert scales were analyzed using the descriptive analysis techniques of SPSS 16.0 and responses to other closed-ended questions were analyzed using general statistics. Major findings The findings of the survey showed an outlook on the overall situation about ejournals perception of the academics and research students. Almost all respondents were interested about the e-journals and it was observed that faculty members used it frequently and by the long time. But maximum students were not using e-journals frequently and they didn’t show strong reason for their limited use. Some of them were very much satisfied with e-journals services. We observed that many of the users, especially faculty members used e-journals from their home and other place of the university. The main purposes of using the e-journals as reported by the faculty members include research, education, professional achievement and current information. However, academics and research students reported the reasons of using e-journals for research, publishing research articles, education, course work assignment and completion of thesis. A maximum number of the respondents stated that their research skill is increased throughout using the scholarly journals. Almost all academics reported that the number of research articles is amazingly increasing after using e-journals which was the great impact of using e-journals. Originality This study creates the possibility to the academics and researchers in their area of research and their own academic field. The results of the study will be helpful for the research scholars to create knowledge and awareness as well as improve the impact of e-journals on the research work.