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This article explores the techniques for designing and managing the bibliographical database by using the Windows-based ISIS (WINISIS) library software package and specified the brief description of steps taken to create a database of all bibliographic materials as well as features of WINSIS are taken into consideration. The purpose of the paper is to be acquainted college librarians with the distinctive features of the Windows-based ISIS because Microsoft Windows is described as a graphical user environment, which gives the user more control over the work as well as enables the user to use more of the power of the computer. The author has applied practical methods to put forth the techniques for designing and managing the bibliographical database of Doctoral Theses by using WINISIS software package. The author has attempted to find out various aspects to describe the features of the various modules of Windows-based ISIS (WINSIS) library software which would be valuable for those college librarians who faced the crunch of budget and are distressed to manage databases, especially those colleges are situated in rural and tribal areas of India. This paper is originally based on the dissertation made by the author in Degree of Master of Philosophy which is recognized and essential in the research purview of higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the usage electronic academic databases resources by lecturers and postgraduate students in Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the types of electronic academic databases that lecturers and postgraduate students are aware of, the electronic academic databases that are available and used, purpose of usage of electronic academic database and the problems militating against the effective use of electronic academic databases resources. Four specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study is 134 lecturers and postgraduate students in WDU. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with the title "Usage of Electronic Academic Database Resources Questionnaire (UEADRQ)". Data collected was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings showed that there was a high level of awareness of the electronic academic database by the lecturers and postgraduate students and they equally made use of them. However, NUC Virtual library, HINARI, Research4life, AGORA and EBSCO Host were not being used as such. JSTOR, Elsevier, DOAJ, ProQuest, Science direct, and LexisNexis where been put to maximum usage. Research, writing of seminar/conference paper, assignments/seminar presentations and getting up-to-date information with subject areas were the purpose of their usage of the electronic academic databases. Lack of search skill, slow internet bandwidth and incessant power outrage were some of the problems militating against the effective usage of electronic academic database resources in WDU. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that electronic academic databases are vital information resources that need to be available in academic libraries for use by lecturers and students in the pursuit of their academic advancement. The study recommended among others, that orientation, workshop and seminar should be organized by librarians and university authorities on how to acquire the needed search skills in order to be able to make adequate use of these electronic academic database resources in order to advance academic excellence. Lecturers and student's attendance at such orientations, workshop and seminars should be made compulsory by the university authority. Also University libraries should endevour to acquire standby generator. This will be very vital particularly in the situation of power outage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the function of database management systems from the perspective of librarians working in engineering institutions in Andhra Pradesh. Ninety-eight librarians from one hundred thirty engineering institutions participated in the study. The paper reveals that training by computer suppliers and software packages are the significant mode of acquiring DBMS skills by librarians; three-fourths of the librarians are postgraduate degree holders. Most colleges use database applications for automation purposes and content value. Electrical problems and untrained staff seem to be major constraints faced by respondents for managing library databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic information resources are gaining popularity in place of traditional print resources due to their mobility, flexibility, and rapid access to current information. Libraries, more than ever, are also devoting a significant portion of their funds on online services. The reason for this research was to determine the barriers to academic staff using electronic databases at the Delta State University Library in Abraka. Three (3) research questions were developed to accomplish this purpose. The study employed a survey method and a questionnaire-based survey to gather information from academic staff at Delta State University, Abraka. The study discovered that HINARI, AJOL, EBSCO Host, JSTOR and AGORA were the types of electronic databases used by the academic staff; respondents use the electronic databases for specific purposes such as thesis/dissertation writing; the study also exposed that lack of user education and guidance on use of databases is the major constraint faced by the respondents. Base on the findings, the study recommend among others that there should be training for the academic librarians on how to use the databases to assist users in their search for information, it also should be regularized and more participants be encouraged to attend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of incorporating user experience study methods into library database purchase and renewal. Purdue University Libraries introduced a heuristic evaluation into an existing yearly database review. Commonly used in usability and human factors engineering, heuristic evaluation is an innovative and dynamic method for librarians to evaluate electronic resources and provide expert feedback to database vendors. A form was developed to streamline the process for the librarians involved. In total, eight librarians evaluated 37 databases as a pilot project. This paper describes the outcome of the pilot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The use of electronic library databases (e-library databases) by academic staff is accepted globally as contributing immensely-to academic staff research work. However, based on one of the researchers' experiences as a Subject Librarian as well as context-specific issues that arose from the existing literature, e-library databases are underutilised by academic staff at the University of Jos and similar institutions in North-Central Nigeria. Many previous studies on the use of e-library databases by academic staff in Nigerian universities were centred on the quantitative survey methodology, which lack in-depth perspectives of academics' experiences. Thus, additional qualitative insights are necessary. Hence, this study aimed to improve our understanding of the personal/individual experiences affecting academic staff e-library database utilisation in universities in North-Central Nigeria, through ethnographic research. Method. The stratified sampling method was used in selecting participants. The researcher employed observation and semi-structured interviews to collect data from 44 academic staff selected from 22 faculties of the Universities and one system librarian from each of the university libraries. A constant comparative approach was used in the analysis of data. Results. The results revealed negative/unsatisfying experiences and a lack of interest in using e-library databases affected academics' use of the e-library databases. The researcher discovered that online library database use and technology are generally less common to older academics but appear to be more familiar amongst the younger ones. Conclusion. Therefore, the study recommended that Academic Subject Librarians have to consider online library database design strategies to shore up the use rates. The university should also prioritise behavioural change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to determine digital access tools and provision of open educational resources by librarians in academic libraries in Rivers State. Three objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a correlational research survey design. The population of the study was Seventy-Five (75) librarians comprising all the state government owned academic libraries in Rivers State. Census sampling technique was used to select all the respondents. Online questionnaire titled Digital Access Tools and Provision of Open Educational Resources Questionnaire (DATPOERQ) was used for data collection. A total of Sixty-Six (66) responses were recorded and found valid for analysis. The data was analysed using the simple linear regression statistical tool. The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between digital access tools (library website, institutional repository and databases) and the provision of open educational resources in academic libraries in Rivers State. The study recommended that academic libraries in Rivers state should link their websites including social media websites to other academic library websites and form a consortium so that users that have access to their libraries and could also harvest the online resources provided by other libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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