Abstract:
University libraries which attached to the higher educational institutions are facing challenges to
provide innovative digital services due to the paradigm shift from printed to electronic
environment. As the library, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) has initiated the provision
of electronic services, it is essential to analyze the issues and concerns in accessing electronic
services by diversified users. The aim of this study was to analyze the issues and concerns in
relation to accessing electronic resources by post-graduate trainees. A questionnaire was distributed
among 427 whilst 380 (89%) responded. The majority were female (65.5%) and 60.4% were in 28-
38 years age group. Findings established that e-journals subscribed by the PGIM are used by 72%,
open sources by 70.2% and Health Inter Network Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) by
67.7%. 87.4 % of the trainees accepted that the training would improve the skills in accessing
electronic resources. The major issues identified by the respondents are absence of remote access
to subscribed journals (79.7%); lack of training (69%); internet speed (64%), lack of computers in
the library (63.4%), lack of time to search for information (55%) and lack of searching skills
(49.5%). Increasing the access points with fast access, more orientations, short courses, developing
an information technology module in the post-graduate curriculum and remote access for
subscribed resources were the main concerns of the respondents. It is recommended to make
arrangements to provide remote access for subscribed e-resources; arrange more training programs
on database searching skills; expand the computer access points with fast internet connection;
arrangements to include information technology module into the post-graduate curriculum and to
extend the opening hours of the library, PGIM.
