Abstract
This study explores the awareness and utilization of electronic databases by postgraduate
students of the Faculty of Education and Extension Services, Usmanu Dan fodiyo University,
Sokoto. Given the importance of digital resources in academic work, understanding database
usage patterns and barriers faced by students is essential. Findings reveal that while 69.8% of
respondents were aware of Elsevier/Science Direct; awareness of other academic databases was
considerably lower, with only 2.3% recognizing EBSCO host. Similarly, the main access points
used by the respondents for accessing these databases included the university library (58.1%) and
their personal networks (51.2%). The major motivator for using electronic databases by the
respondents is ease of access, as noted by 55.8% of participants. Despite nearly half of the
students (48.8%) accessing electronic databases on daily basis, usage was limited by significant
obstacles, such as poor internet connectivity (79.1%) and restricted digital literacy, particularly
in advanced search techniques. The study recommends regular training programs, improved
infrastructure for internet and power supply, and increased user support to enhance awareness,
accessibility, and proficiency in database usage, thereby maximizing the university's investment
and supporting academic productivity.
Publication Date: 2024-12-02