Investigating Awareness and usage of Electronic Resources by Research Scientists in Ghana

Abstract

The study investigated the use of electronic resources/information by research scientists in Ghana. Specifically, to investigate the awareness and level of use of electronic resources; perceived reliance, benefits and impact of use of electronic resources on the research activities. The research design for the study was a survey. Questionnaire schedule was used to collect data from 103 scientists from selected institutes at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The result revealed that majority of the scientists (92 %) used electronic resources. The most used type of resources were Electronic databases, electronic research reports and electronic journals. The purpose of use was mostly for research work (71 %). However only 34 per cent had had training in information literacy skills. Some of the impediments to accessing the electronic resources were poor ICT infrastructure (38 %) and lack of skills in accessing the resources (35 %). Generally, the use of electronic resources have improved research activities of research scientists It is recommended that continuous training (formal and informal) should be organised for research scientists to keep them abreast with new electronic applications and tools that will promote their level of competence and improvement in their research outputs. In Addition, ICT infrastructure should be improved in the various institutes for easy access to the electronic resources.