2022-2023

SYNOPSIS

A Study of Usages of Electronic Resource at DeLCON DBT

Electronic Library Consortium

Master of Library and Information Science

By
Shaqib ali
Under the Supervision of
Dr. Shehbaz Husain Naqvi

Dr Zakir Husain Library Jamia Millia Islamia

New Delhi-110025
 1.1Introduction
The increasing availability and accessibility of electronic resources have revolutionized the way
in which we The access and utilize information. This is especially true for academic libraries, where
electronic resources have become an integral part of research and education. DelCon DBT
Electronic Library Consortium is one such example, where electronic resources are made available
to member institutions for research and educational purposes.

In this study, we aim to examine the usages of electronic resources by the members of DelCon
DBT Electronic Library Consortium. Specifically, we will explore the types of electronic resources
being used, the frequency of use, and the purposes for which they are being used. Additionally,
we will examine the challenges faced by users when accessing and utilizing electronic resources.

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the use of electronic resources in
academic libraries, and help identify areas for improvement in terms of access and utilization.
Ultimately, this study will contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the use of electronic
resources in academic libraries and support the research and educational needs of their users.

1.2Review of Literature
The use of electronic resources in academic libraries has been a topic of interest for
researchers and scholars for several decades. A review of the literature reveals that electronic
resources have become an essential component of modern academic libraries, providing users with
access to a vast array of information and data.

Studies have shown that the use of electronic resources in academic libraries has increased
significantly in recent years. According to a study by Kaur and Pathak (2015), the use of electronic
resources in academic libraries has increased by nearly 100% in the last decade. This increase is
largely attributed to the convenience and accessibility of electronic resources, as well as their
ability to provide users with access to up-to-date and relevant information.

However, despite the benefits of electronic resources, there are also several challenges associated
with their use. One of the most significant challenges is the issue of access. While electronic
resources are widely available, not all users have equal access to them. This is particularly true for
users in developing countries or those with limited financial resources.

Other challenges associated with the use of electronic resources include issues with search
functionality, navigating complex databases, and the need for specialized technical skills to
effectively utilize these resources. These challenges have led to calls for improved training and
support for users, as well as greater investment in the development of user-friendly electronic
resource platforms.

1.3Statement of the Problem

Despite the increasing availability and accessibility of electronic resources, there is a
lack of understanding regarding the usage patterns and challenges associated with their
use in academic libraries, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, while
electronic resources are widely available, not all users have equal access to them.
Therefore, the problem addressed in this study is to examine the usages of electronic
resources at DelCon DBT Electronic Library Consortium, identify the types of electronic
resources being used, the frequency of use, and the purposes for which they are being
used, and explore the challenges faced by users when accessing and utilizing these
resources. Ultimately, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the use of
electronic resources in academic libraries and identify areas for improvement in terms of
access and utilization.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

 The objective of this study is to analyze the usage patterns and trends of electronic resources
among the members of DelCon DBT Electronic Library Consortium. Specifically, the study
aims to achieve the following objectives

 To identify the most frequently used electronic resources among the members of DelCon
DBT Electronic Library Consortium.

 To understand the patterns of usage of electronic resources by the members of DelCon DBT
Electronic Library Consortium.

 To investigate the factors influencing the usage of electronic resources by the members of
DelCon DBT Electronic Library Consortium.

 To evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic resources provided by DelCon DBT

Electronic Library Consortium in meeting the information needs of its members.

 To provide recommendations to improve the usage of electronic resources by the members

of DelCon DBT Electronic Library Consortium.
 1.5 Research Methodology

research methodology for this study will involve a descriptive survey design. The study
will collect data through an online survey questionnaire The administered to the members of
DelCon DBT Electronic Library Consortium. The survey questionnaire will be designed to
collect both quantitative and qualitative data related to the usage of electronic resources by the
members.

Sampling Technique:

A stratified random sampling technique will be used to select the participants of the study.
The population will be stratified based on the member institutions of DelCon DBT Electronic
Library Consortium, and a random sample of participants will be selected from each stratum.

Data Collection:
Data will be collected through an online survey questionnaire. The questionnaire will be
distributed to the selected participants via email. The questionnaire will be designed to collect
information on the frequency and types of electronic resources used, the reasons for usage or
non-usage, the satisfaction level of the users, and the factors influencing the usage of
electronic resources.

Data Analysis:

The data collected will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency
distributions, mean, standard deviation, and percentages. Inferential statistics, such as
regression analysis, will also be used to determine the relationship between the usage of
electronic resources and the factors influencing usage. The data will be analyzed using
statistical software such as SPSS or R.

Ethical Considerations:

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines for research involving human participants,
including obtaining informed consent from the participants, ensuring confidentiality and
anonymity of the participants, and ensuring that the data collected is used only for the
purposes of the study
 1.6Limitations,(ifany)&DirectionforFutureStudy

The study has a few limitations that may affect the generalizability of the findings. Firstly, the
study only focuses on the members of DelCon DBT Electronic Library Consortium and therefore
may not be representative of other electronic library consortia. Secondly, the study is limited to
the usage of electronic resources and does not consider the usage of physical resources. Lastly,
the study relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases such as social desirability
bias or recall bias.

Direction for Future Study:

Based on the limitations of the study, there are several areas for future research. Firstly, future
studies can expand the scope of the study to include other electronic library consortia to
determine if the findings are generalizable. Secondly, future studies can compare the usage of
electronic resources to the usage of physical resources to determine the preference of users.
Lastly, future studies can employ different methods such as observation or interviews to
supplement self-reported data and reduce biases.

Additionally, future studies can explore the impact of technological advancements and the
emergence of new electronic resources on the usage of electronic resources by library users. The
effectiveness of new electronic resources in meeting the information needs of users can also be
explored. Lastly, future studies can examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the usage
of electronic resources and the changes in usage patterns.

1.7References

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