The use of electronic information services by undergraduate nursing students at the University of Namibia’s Northern Campus: A descriptive study

Abstract

This paper is based on a Masters’ dissertation submitted to the University of Cape Town, which investigated the use of electronic information services (EIS) by undergraduate nursing students at the University of Namibia’s Northern Campus. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to 163 students and interviews were conducted with 15 students in August and September 2007. The results revealed that the majority of students made the greatest use of the Internet. The OPAC was moderately used, while e-databases were substantially under-utilized. Students used EIS for a variety of purposes including obtaining academic information and current awareness. The main barriers that students faced in using EIS were the shortage of computers, unreliable Internet connection, and lack of skills. The majority of students relied upon their fellow students to acquire EIS skills. While many students were generally enthusiastic and held a positive perception of the Internet, only a few thought that the e-databases were useful.