A comparative analysis of the use of electronic resources by undergraduate students at two Kenyan universities

Abstract

This article compares the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructures, the levels of access, and the electronic resources usage patterns at two academic libraries in Kenya. The focus is on the use by undergraduate students at the private University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB) and the public Kenyatta University (KU) of electronic resources to support formal and informal learning. The article also briefly explores the perceptions of library managers with regard to teaching and learning. The data revealed that the UEAB had a higher level of ICT integration with formal and informal learning. The majority of the UEAB students had basic computer skills and the library had an adequate ICT infrastructure. On the other hand, KU appeared to be at an early stage of ICT integration, and had an inadequate ICT infrastructure. The article identifies specific difficulties, and recommends ways of improving the use of electronic resources at these academic libraries in Kenya, to support formal and informal learning.