Unlocking hidden treasures: A roadmap to maximise e-resource utilisation at the institute of finance management and Moshi co-operative university libraries in Tanzania

Abstract

Background

The Institute of Finance Management (IFM) and Moshi Co-operative University are committed to fostering research and academic excellence. As part of this commitment, the two institutional libraries have subscribed to a range of electronic resources through COTUL, namely Emerald, EBSCOHOST, Taylor and Francis, Research4Life, and JSTOR. However, there is a noticeable underutilisation of these tools by students and staff, which hampers research output, academic growth, and return on investment.

Purpose

This study investigated the utilisation of electronic resources at the two institutional libraries.

Methods

Using a mixed-methods approach that included structured questionnaires and interviews, data were obtained from 209 of the 250 targeted respondents, yielding an 83.6% response rate. The interviews were conducted with 14 academic staff, library staff, and students.

Results

The findings reveal a critical awareness gap; while users are aware of e-resources, they underutilize subject-specific databases, instead relying on Google Scholar. Key challenges identified include a lack of awareness, unreliable internet, and complex authentication. Opportunities lie in targeted training and marketing.

Conclusion

The study concludes by proposing a strategic roadmap to unlock this potential, recommending enhanced, multi-format training, aggressive marketing, website optimization, collaboration with academic staff, and infrastructural improvements to maximize the return on investment in e-resources.