Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 2018; 67(1/2): 109-125
Purpose – This study aims to investigate the utilisation of subscribed e-resources at Mzumbe University
(MU) main library. The study involved academic staff, undergraduate (third-year) students and postgraduate
students of MU.
Design/methodology/approach – The study used a mixed-method research design using crosssectional
and case study research designs. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used.
Quantitative data were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences version 20 and Microsoft
Excel spreadsheet, and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings – The findings revealed that participants were moderately aware of the library-subscribed
e-resources, and the major barriers that caused underutilisation were unstable network connectivity and lack
of searching skills. It was recommended that MU Library should equip library users with intensive training
on information searching skills to increase utilisation of the subscribed e-resources. Furthermore, it was
strongly recommended that the library should market its subscribed e-resources to attract more users.
Originality/value – Many papers have been written on electronic resources, but this study specifically
focussed on subscribed resources, and it is the first time that an investigation has been done on utilisation of
subscribed electronic resources by library users in MU. The results of the study could be useful for MU
Library and other academic libraries in Africa in ensuring that there is high utilisation of subscribed
e-resources.