Scholarly information source access and use by undergraduate students: Lesson from COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated university students's access, and use of scholarly information sources during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional design that employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. Data was collected from 306 respondents from three selected universities in Tanzania. The findings revealed that health protocols caused most students to rely on internet-based sources, lecture notes, and materials shared by classmates to satisfy their information needs. The inability to access library information sources remotely, limited internet access, inadequate access to ICT devices, and lack of digital literacy skills were perceived to be among the major challenges that inhibited students from accessing library resources.The study concludes that the challenges in accessing library resources that were witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic paved the way for rethinking the way library conduct their business in serving their patrons, especially in facilitating access to them in real-time regardless of the geographical location and the physical condition of the user.To improve access to scholarly resources during challenging times such as the recent pandemic, universities ought to invest in developing digital collections which are accessible anytime and anywhere, this will be realized by ensuring adequate technological infrastructure and digital literacy skills among students and library staff.