Internet Tools for E-Learning and Database Access in Academic Libraries in South-East and South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates internet tools for e-learning and database access in academic libraries. This study adopts the correlational survey design. The population of the study consists of 1,250 library personnel and users from 10 purposively selected federal universities in the South-East and South-South zones of Nigeria. A sample of 306 respondents was determined via Taro Yamane’s formula and selected through stratified proportionate random sampling. Data collection utilised a validated Questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89, and the instrument was pilot-tested on 50 non-sample respondents from selected academic libraries in South West Nigeria. Data analysis was done using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation I at 0.05 significance via SPSS v.26. Results revealed strong positive correlations (H01: r = 0.68, p < 0.001; H02: r = 0.74, p < 0.001), rejecting both null hypotheses. Internet tools explained 49-52% variance in outcomes, with LMS integration (β = 0.38) and federated search (β = 0.41) as the strongest predictors. Findings confirm internet tools as critical enablers of digital transformation despite infrastructural challenges. Recommendations were for academic libraries to prioritise high-speed fibre optic networks and uninterruptible power supplies to eliminate bandwidth bottlenecks for LMS and proxy systems.