Social influence, facilitating conditions and online information resources use by library and information science students of federal polytechnics in north-west Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated social influence, facilitating conditions and online information resources (OIRs) use by library and information science students of federal polytechnics in north-west Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. It relied on the data collected from 529 students through an online Google form. A survey research design with a quantitative approach was adopted. After employing a questionnaire, the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression). The study revealed a high frequency of OIRs use among LIS students. In addition, there was a high level of social influence and facilitating conditions affecting the students. The findings also established the significant impact of social influence, particularly subjective norms on OIRs use, and for facilitating conditions, access and technical infrastructure were identified as key determinants of OIRs use. This study concludes that, although OIRs are beneficial and embraced by students and polytechnics; their maximum acceptance and benefits will be impossible with diminishing social norms. Hence, polytechnics must consciously improve social norms through planned activities involving lecturers.