Exploring E-Resource Usage Trends in Engineering Libraries across Selected Divisions
Ajay Kumar Awasthi, M. Suresh Babu
International Journal of Information Studies, Vol. 18, No. 4, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6025/ijis/2026/18/4/227-246
Link: https://www.dline.info/ijis/fulltext/v18n4/ijisv18n4_4.pdf
Abstract:
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the usage trends, user preferences, and operational challenges associated
with electronic resources (e-resources) in private engineering libraries across the Kanpur, Lucknow, and Agra
divisions of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a quantitative survey design, the study utilized a multistage
stratified random sampling technique. The study collected data from 317 valid respondents, including
undergraduate and postgraduate students, doctoral scholars, faculty members, and library staff.
Findings: The study reveals a high level of e-resource awareness (70.03%), though discovery relies heavily
on physical library visits (49.21%) rather than digital channels like the library website (7.25%). Utilization is
highly active, with 76.03% of users accessing e-resources at least weekly. Electronic journals (46.4%) and ebooks
(27.1%) are the most preferred formats, with Elsevier and Springer Link as the dominant databases.
While "richer content" (47.9%) and "convenience" (32.12%) are the primary drivers of adoption, poor internet
connectivity (37.85%) and challenges in finding relevant information (34.7%) remain the most significant
barriers. Despite these hurdles, overall user satisfaction remains high at 84.23%.
Practical Implications: The findings highlight an urgent need for academic libraries to upgrade digital
infrastructure, implement targeted information literacy programs, and enhance the digital promotion of library
services to optimise e-resource utilisation.
Originality/Value: This research provides region specific, empirical data on e-resource consumption in
private engineering institutions, offering actionable insights for library administrators and educational
policymakers to refine procurement strategies and user support systems.