A STUDY ON STUDENTS’ AWARENESS AND USE OF INFORMATION RETRIEVAL TOOLS IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN CAMEROON: A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF NGAOUNDÉRÉ CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Worldwide, the significance of academic libraries lies not only in their role as central hubs for teaching, learning, and scholarship in academic institutions, but also in their responsibility to furnish suitable information resources that align with the objectives and mission of their institutions. Ajiboye, Oyedipe & Alawiye (2023) argue that the advancements in ICT have led to the production of numerous information resources, both in print and electronic formats. Keeping up with the ever-expanding pool of published information has become increasingly challenging, if not unattainable. As a result, the task of accessing information from the numerous information devices and carriers has become a significant worry for libraries and information scientists. 

Undoubtedly, Buji (2023) said that owing to information explosion and the introduction of new technologies, information needed by students is now found in diverse formats in university libraries. These technologies have provided an alternate means to enhance access to academic knowledge for educational purposes. Primary sources, such as journal articles and research reports, or secondary sources, such as textbooks and reference books like the dictionary and encyclopaedia, might fulfil their information demands. In order to deliver efficient and effective services to university library users, a wide range of information resources in both physical and digital formats are purchased. These resources aim to strengthen the knowledge required by users to achieve in their respective pursuits. Nevertheless, these materials are not only obtained but also structured in a manner that facilitates convenient user access and retrieval.

Apparently, information retrieval focuses on the use and extraction of information and other document contents from various sources of information. Retrieval tools are essential for obtaining information to achieve educational objectives. Edom (2022) defines information retrieval tools as straightforward procedures or devices that assist library users in locating, retrieving, and utilising necessary documents or information from library resources, books, or papers. In addition, he specified various tools that should be included, such as bibliographies, indexes and abstracts, catalogues, computer filing or websites, subject index, title index, directories, OPAC, CD-ROMS, online databases, internet search engines, and so on. According to Tella et al (2017).University libraries play a vital role in providing students with access to a vast array of information resources, particularly through the use of information retrieval tools. These tools, including databases, online catalogs, search engines, and digital libraries, allow students to efficiently locate, access, and use scholarly materials for their academic and research needs. Echem & Udo-Anyanwu, (2018) argued that in today’s information age, the ability to retrieve relevant information quickly is critical to academic success. 

Conversely, Anunobi & Mbagwu (2019) is of the opinion that even though the increased digitization of resources and the growing importance of online access have made information retrieval tools indispensable for university libraries, there is a growing concern about the level of awareness and use of these tools by students in developing countries like Cameroon, where access to technology and digital literacy levels may vary significantly. Zama & Moluh (2019) pointed that despite these advancements, many students may still rely on traditional methods of information retrieval, which can limit their ability to find up-to-date and relevant academic resources. This disparity between the availability of digital tools and their usage may reflect a lack of awareness or inadequate training in using these resources. As highlighted by Kumar and Singh (2019), the effective use of information retrieval tools often requires a combination of technical skills and an understanding of information literacy concepts, both of which can be lacking in students without proper guidance.

Statement of the Problem

In the rapidly evolving landscape of academia, the effective utilization of information retrieval tools within university libraries is crucial for facilitating research, learning, and knowledge dissemination. However, amidst the proliferation of digital resources and diverse user needs, assessing the efficacy and usability of these tools becomes imperative to ensure optimal support for scholarly endeavors. Authors such like Tella & Akinsol (2020) have highlighted the significance of information retrieval tools in their works, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in enhancing research productivity and information access within academic settings.

Despite the availability of advanced information retrieval tools in many university libraries, there is evidence that students in Sub-Saharan African universities, including those in Cameroon, are not utilizing these tools effectively. Studies have shown that limited awareness and inadequate training on the use of digital library tools are common issues in African universities (Tella et al., 2017). Research by Zama and Moluh (2019) indicated that while students in in African universities  have access to a variety of digital tools, many still rely on traditional methods of information retrieval, such as printed books and manual catalog searches. This reliance on outdated methods can lead to inefficiencies in accessing information, thereby impacting students' academic performance and overall research quality. Furthermore, the digital divide and varying levels of digital literacy among students may contribute to this problem, as some students might lack the skills necessary to navigate digital information retrieval systems.

  Existing studies, such as that by Mahmood (2023), have primarily focused on the technical aspects of library tools without addressing the awareness and training issues that could hinder their use among students. This leaves a critical gap in understanding how students engage with these tools, particularly in the context of Cameroon's educational system, where digital literacy is still developing. While there is evidence from other developing countries that awareness campaigns and training programs can improve the use of library resources (Anunobi & Mbagwu, 2019), there is limited research specifically focusing on the University of Ngaoundéré. Thus, the need to investigate this gap is crucial. This study seeks to determine the level of awareness and actual use of information retrieval tools by students at the University of Ngaoundéré, with the aim of identifying barriers to usage and proposing strategies to enhance students' engagement with these vital academic resources.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study is focused on students’ awareness and use of information retrieval tools in university libraries in Cameroon: a case study of university of Ngaoundéré Cameroon. Specifically, the study seeks to:

assess students’ awareness of the availability of information retrieval tools in the University of Ngaoundéré library.

determine the extent of students’ use of these information retrieval tools for academic purposes.

identify the challenges faced by students in using information retrieval tools.

propose strategies to improve the awareness and use of information retrieval tools in the University of Ngaoundéré library.

Research Questions

What is the level of students' awareness of the information retrieval tools available in the University of Ngaoundéré library?

To what extent do students use these information retrieval tools for their academic work?

What challenges do students face when using these tools?

What strategies can be implemented to enhance the use of information retrieval tools in the University of Ngaoundéré library?

Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is a significant relationship between students’ awareness of information retrieval tools and their usage of these tools in the University of Ngaoundéré library.

Hi: There is no significant relationship between students’ awareness of information retrieval tools and their usage of these tools in the University of Ngaoundéré library.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Practically, it will benefit university administrators, librarians, and policymakers by providing insights into how students engage with digital resources in academic settings. Understanding the challenges students face can inform the development of more effective training programs and support services to enhance their ability to use information retrieval tools. It will also highlight the importance of fostering digital literacy skills, which are essential for students in today's knowledge-driven economy.

Theoretically, the study will contribute to the growing body of literature on information retrieval in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. By examining the case of the University of Ngaoundéré, this research will offer a deeper understanding of how contextual factors, such as digital literacy levels and infrastructure, affect the use of academic resources. The findings will provide a foundation for further research on the effectiveness of digital library systems in African universities.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on students at the University of Ngaoundéré in Cameroon, specifically examining their awareness and use of information retrieval tools in the university library. The content scope includes the types of tools available, the extent of their usage, and the challenges faced by students in using these tools.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

One limitation of this study is the reliance on self-reported data from students, which may be subject to bias or inaccuracies in reporting their awareness and usage of information retrieval tools. Another limitation is the focus on a single institution, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other universities in Cameroon or beyond. Additionally, the study's time frame may not capture long-term trends in the use of information retrieval tools as technological advancements and training initiatives evolve.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Information Retrieval Tools: These are the digital systems and databases used to locate, access, and retrieve academic information, such as online catalogs, search engines, and digital libraries.

Digital Literacy: This is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, and create information.

University Library: This the academic library of a university, providing access to information resources, services, and spaces for study and research.

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