Availability and Awareness of Electronic Information Resources among Library Users in Polytechnic Libraries in Osun State, Nigeria

This study examined the availability and awareness of electronic information resources (EIRs) among library users in selected polytechnic libraries in Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, incorporating a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 300 respondents, of which 222 valid responses were retrieved and analysed. In addition, semi-structured interviews with library staff and direct observation were employed to complement the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages, were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that key electronic resources such as e-books, e-journals, online databases (e.g., EBSCOhost, JSTOR), and CD-ROMs are available across the libraries studied; however, their accessibility varies significantly among institutions. For instance, while a majority of respondents in some institutions reported adequate availability, fewer indicated consistent accessibility due to infrastructural constraints such as limited computer systems, poor internet connectivity, and power supply issues. The study further found a generally high level of awareness of EIRs among students, largely facilitated through library orientation programmes and user education courses. The findings imply that although awareness levels are encouraging, disparities in infrastructure and access limit effective utilisation of available resources. The study concludes that improving infrastructural capacity and access mechanisms is essential to maximise the benefits of EIRs. It is recommended that polytechnic libraries increase funding for electronic resources, enhance ICT infrastructure, and implement sustained user awareness programmes to improve utilisation