Internet Literacy Skills and Internet Usage Patterns to Access E-Resources by Assam University Library Users: An Evaluative Study

Abstract

The present study was undertaken with a view to know the extent of Internet Literacy amongst the University Library Users. The samples of the present study are mainly drawn from the teachers, research scholars and students are not very much comfortable using computers. In order to assess the Internet literacy and access patterns of e-resources, survey method has been adopted by the investigator, which comprises of administration of questionnaire, observation of the participants, and interview of some of the participants for knowing the opinion of the respondents in respect of awareness of ICT and Internet Literacy Skills and E-Resources access pattern for their day-to-day requirements pertaining to their academic and research activities. For carrying out the survey, purposive sampling technique has been adopted. The self designed questionnaire comprising of 18 questions has been distributed amongst the randomly selected 480 samples which comprises of faculty members, research scholars, UG/PG Students, Officers and Staff, out of which 324 respondents have responded. On the basis of filled up questionnaire received from the respondents, the data has been analysed and tabulated using SPSS Software. For data analysis and interpretation, percentage technique has been adopted. The present work was carried out during April 2009 to July 2010.

Therefore the present investigation is delimited to the members of the Assam University community. The paper highlights the important survey findings in respect of ICT and Internet Literacy Skills, Internet usage pattern, Training and some problems faced by the respondents along with few suggestions and recommendations.

Keywords: Internet, Internet Literacy Skills, Assam University-Silchar, E-Resources