E-RESOURCE PROMOTION IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN GHANA: UDS IN CONTEXT

Abstract

This study sought to examine the various ways academic libraries in Ghana promote their e-resources to patrons. The study employed the survey research design using a quantitative approach. The population of the study included 64 library staff (professionals and para-professionals) of the UDS Library. A sample size was not extracted from the population hence, a census was conducted. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to respondents through Google Forms. Responses were analyzed and represented in tables and pie charts with the use of Microsoft Excel. The findings revealed that the UDS Library management engages in various cost-effective activities such as training workshops on e-resources and how to access them, webinars and seminars on the various e-resources and their value in research/academic work, creating social media handles such as Facebook, Twitter, and a YouTube channel where videos on the library services and resources are uploaded to guide users. Fliers and posters are also placed at vantage places to draw user attention. However, the UDS Library suffers some challenges in their attempt to serve their patrons with updated information materials. Some of these challenges include limited budget funds allocated to the Library, weak internet bandwidth, electricity fluctuations that sometimes spoil gadgets, limited or no time allocated to the Library during university and SRC programmes, and poor participation of students and faculty in programmes organized by the Library.

 Keywords: E-Resources, Promotion, Academic Libraries, Ghana, UDS Library