Challenges in Accessing and Utilizing Information in Digital Resource Platforms by Academic Staff in Selected Public Universities in Kenya.

Abstract

Digital resource platforms have gained significant recognition as valuable tools for education and research within universities. These platforms enable easy access, sharing and dissemination of information, leveraging the advancements in information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Nonetheless, users of these platforms face challenges in effectively accessing and utilizing these information resources due to complexities in navigation. This issue arises from a mismatch between user expectations and the design of information platforms, which hinders seamless access and utilization of information. This may adversely affect teaching and research output that are core mandates of universities. The purpose of the study was to explore challenges that academic staff experience in accessing and utilizing information in digital resource platforms in the selected public universities in Kenya. The study was based on a pragmatic paradigm where it adopted a mixed method approach. This enabled the research to collect both quantitative and qualitative data that complemented each other in collecting accurate and reliable data. Purposive and census sampling techniques were used to draw respondents from the targeted population. The sample size was 113 respondents comprising 86 academic staff, four university librarians and 23 library staff in charge of digital content. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences was used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of tables, charts and verbatim reports. The findings showed that academic staff had inadequate digital literacy skills and slow in adopting technology that resulted in ineffective access and under-utilization of e-content. Major challenges faced by academic staff were limited range of digital resource platforms, unattractive visual design, inadequate digital literacy skills and technological dynamism. The study recommended for increased digital resource platforms to facilitate wider access, development of appealing visual design and continuous digital literacy training among users.