The awareness, access and usage of electronic journals among academic staff in KNUST
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Date
2014
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Abstract
The escalating prices of printed journals and the dwindling resources of many libraries
have forced libraries across the globe, to take a reflect on how to stay abreast of time.
The introduction of electronic journals provided an avenue for the restocking of
periodicals by many libraries. This phenomenon has however provided an avenue for studies
to be conducted around the globe to investigate the perception, reaction and use of these
electronic materials among scholars. It was in this light that this study was situated. The
study sought to access the level of awareness, access, usage and challenges users of electronic
journals (academic staff) faced.
The study reviewed literature relating to the definition of electronic journal, its
historical development and elaborated on various studies aimed specifically at faculties across
the world.
The study was quantitative in design. A questionnaire was used to collect primary
data from academic staff from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
(KNUST). The survey yielded 109 usable questionnaires, with a response rate of 49%.
The study showed a high level of awareness of the existence of electronic journals on the
Internet, as well as electronic journal services provided by the University by the respondents.
Majority of respondents used these electronic materials mainly in writing articles for
publication. Issues of slow Internet speed and the frequent electrical power outages on
campus were some of the challenges hindering usage of electronic journals.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Department of Publishing Studies,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Art Publishing