Patterns of use of web-based library e-resources among students on the Howard College Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

This study explores the use of electronic information services (EIS) by students at the Howard College (HC) campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in the faculties of Engineering and the Humanities, Development and Social Sciences (HDSS).The objectives were to establish usage among students; identify determinants of usage and to make recommendations.To achieve these objectives, the study concentrated on answering these research questions: Do UKZN students use library e-resources? Which e-resources are UKZN students using? Where do UKZN students access library e-resources? Why do UKZN students use library e-resources? What characterises non-users of library e-resources? What barriers exist to the use of electronic information services (EIS)?A review of the literature identified a mix of quantitative, qualitative and combined methods used to investigate EIS usage.In various research studies, the variables considered to be determinants of use included age, status, discipline of study, subject content, computer proficiency, ease of use, availability and print formats in academic environments.The barriers experienced when using EIS formats, the adoption of technology and the usability characteristics of EIS were also important aspects evident in the literature.