ISSN 2756-3383
Frontiers of Library, Information and Computer Sciences ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 1 (1), pp. 043-048, December, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Utilization of internet among distance learners in a dynamic higher education setting at the Bharathiar University, India
James Mukherjee Singh
Library and Information Science Wing, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalai university, Annamalai, Nagar 608 002, India. E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 25 July, 2011
Abstract
Internet use in Indian academic institutions and their libraries is creating an environment that is continuously changing. Multimedia and the Internet have further made the teaching and research functions of students and faculty members more challenging. The important features that have affected the quality of information are accuracy, currency, comprehensiveness and time. As the academic community is becoming aware of potential uses of Internet, these are being put to more use; there is a need to evaluate the purpose of utilizing Internet sources in order to provide relevant services. Such studies on Internet information usage pattern also facilitate library professionals to provide effective services by modifying old information provision process by using electronic tools. The findings indicated that 79.80 % of the post graduate students were aware about the availability of internet whereas only 73.75 % of under graduate students. The study revealed that most of the respondents 61.36% use internet for studying course work. 48.48% of respondents use internet for writing papers, 36.36% respondents use for updating subject knowledge, 32.95% of respondents use internet for entertainment and 14.39% of users using internet for research work. The paper highlighted the various problems, and issues involved in handling internet and gave suggestions to improve the library services to meet the demands of the users.
Keywords: Distance Learners, Internet, e-resources, CD-ROM, e-journals, web sites, Barathiar University.