Abstract
University libraries in Nigeria have invested heavily in electronic information resources (EIRs), yet undergraduate use remains uneven, and most explanations have looked to the student rather than to the institution. This study examined how four institutional conditions, namely institutional policy, electricity supply, accessibility of EIRs and internet connectivity, relate to undergraduates' use of library-based EIRs in state-owned universities in South-West Nigeria. A correlational survey of 300-level science and agriculture students in eight state universities, selected through four-stage sampling, yielded 1,232 usable questionnaires (92.3%). Respondents reported using a broad range of resources, led by e-databases, e-books and educational videos, mainly for personal development, online classes and term papers. Use was typically monthly to weekly; audio and video materials were used most often and CD-ROMs least, and use of named scholarly databases was polarised. Institutional conditions were rated moderately supportive (weighted mean 2.92 of 4), highest for policy (3.01) and lowest for internet connectivity (2.81); only three in five respondents reported free campus internet log-in. Institutional factors correlated positively and significantly with EIR use (r = .42, p < .001), accounting for about 18% of its variance. Internet connectivity (r = .40) and accessibility (r = .37) showed the strongest associations, followed by electricity supply (r = .33) and policy (r = .32). The findings indicate that subscription alone does not produce use; the infrastructure that carries EIRs to the student matters at least as much. Implications for library management, university administration and state funding are discussed.
Keywords: Electronic information resources; Institutional factors; State universities; Nigeria
Publication Date: 2026-10-31