Use of Malaysian Academic Library Websites by University Students

Abstract

This study identifies the pattern of twelve Malaysian academic library websites usage among 823 university students. Seventy percent of the respondents knew of the existence of their university library websites. Only 11 percent of respondents searched the Internet before searching printed materials. A majority of the respondents agreed that the Internet adds value to library services and speeds up reference searching. For 23 percent of respondents the Internet was not their first choice in reference searching. A majority of the respondents agreed that the Internet makes reference work more challenging, more fun, more interesting, and more accessible. Eight percent disagreed that using the Internet increases their class assignment grades. 69 percent of respondents did not agree that use of the Internet reduces the students’ need to refer to the library’s helpdesk.