Assessment Of Utilization of Open Education Resources by Postgraduate Students in Selected Public University Libraries in Kenya

The demand for university education coupled with inadequate teaching/learning resources such as print resources whose cost among others contribute to very expensive education, has posed challenges to progression in university education in Kenya. As such, Open Education Resources (OER) have been championed as suitable alternative to complement educational resources in learning institutions with relevant, quality and up-to-date teaching/learning materials at little or no cost. Despite the increase in volumes provided freely under the Creative Common licenses, studies have shown that uptake of OER has remained low among students in Kenyan universities. This study therefore, assessed OER use by postgraduate students in three universities which are Nairobi University, Kenyatta University and Moi University. The study was guided by four objectives; to determine the level of OER awareness among postgraduate students, to determine the accessibility of OER by postgraduate students, to determine availability of ICT infrastructure which support utilization of OER and the promotion strategies employed by librarians to enhance awareness of OER among postgraduate students. The study employed descriptive survey design approach. Random sampling method was used to obtain requisite number of respondents. The target population was the 34,445 postgraduate students and university librarians in the selected libraries in public universities in Kenya. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that OER awareness significantly contributed to OER utilization by postgraduate students. The findings also concluded that OER accessibility enhanced OER utilization. In addition, ICT infrastructure was critical in supporting OER resources while promotional strategies that include lecturers influence, policies and guidelines, training, workshop and OER sensitizations contributed to OER adoption. The study recommended that academic libraries need to develop OER policies to guide on utilization of OER. Universities should also ensure there is adequate ICT infrastructure to support OER resources and students should be sensitized on OER, trained on how to use the OER facilities and onsite staff should be available to support the students.  Internet and power should also be stabilized in order to ensure accessibility of OER without any interruption.