Usage Behaviour of Electronic Information Resources Among Academicians’ in Tertiary Institutions of Tanzania

Purpose: The paper aimed at assessing academicians’ usage behaviour of electronic information resources in tertiary institutions in Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on four factors, namely; awareness, experiences, competencies, as well as technological blockade factors. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study conducted a questionnaire survey to 357 academicians from seven tertiary institutions in Tanzania, with a rate of return of 79.33%. Generally, study associating experiences, competencies and technology as factors reduces usage behaviours among academicians in tertiary institutions. For example, only eight (30.7%) out of 26 databases were reported to be frequently used. Findings: The findings revealed the majority were aware of popular databases available, however, the results showed the underutilization of them. Nevertheless, the study identified among prominent barriers reducing usage behaviour morale among academicians in tertiary institutions were: technological difficulty, slow internet connectivity, inadequate searching skills, and inadequate information literacy training programmes. Research Limitation/Implications: The study involved academics; however, during the process of data collection, it was found that some of them were not easily reached, since they were involved in field supervision, resulting in the researcher narrowing a scope based on respondents’ conveniently available and reachable. Practical implication: The study recommended the following; a need for the usage capacity build among academicians; the improvement of Wireless Networks services; and the establishment of well-equipped computer laboratories to promote EIR usage habits among users. Social implication: the survey will add literature on the topic as well as bring new knowledge to the policy makers to amend policies to make it mandatory for quality service and system provision, this will ensure a supportive environment to motivate acceptance and usage of e-information resources in tertiary institutions. Originality/Value: This is an inclusive study that assesses the usage behaviour of EIR among academic members of staff which have not been conducted in tertiary institutions of Tanzania. The study provided empirical demographic characteristics evidence that influences EIR usage behaviour among academicians in Technical institutions of Tanzania. Further, this study will have wider implications for academic libraries that are engaged in the EIR’s provision of services.