Abstract
This study investigates the provision and utilization of electronic information resources
(EIRs) among postgraduate students in public university libraries in Abia State, Nigeria,
specifically at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and Abia
State University, Uturu (ABSU). EIRs—defined as digital materials such as e-books, ejournals,
databases, and institutional repositories that are accessed through computers or
mobile devices (IFLA, 2012)—are critical for teaching, learning, and research because of
their accessibility, dependability, and timeliness. The study adopted a descriptive survey
design with a population of 1,438 respondents, including postgraduate students and ICT staff.
A sample of 289 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling
techniques. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive
statistics (mean and standard deviation) and t-test statistics at a 0.05 significance level.
Findings revealed adequate provision of EIRs in both libraries, with postgraduate students
utilizing these resources primarily for academic purposes such as project/thesis writing,
coursework, assignments, and research. No significant differences were found in the extent of
provision or purposes of utilization between the two universities. Recommendations include
enhancing ICT infrastructure, strengthening awareness and user education, and improving
authentication and access mechanisms to maximize the benefits of EIRs for postgraduate
students.
Keywords: Electronic Information Resources, Postgraduate Students, University Libraries,
Abia State, Nigeria
Publication Date: 2025-11-08