Abstract:
This study examined the utilization of library-based websites for research by library and information science postgraduate students in selected federal Universities in south east Nigeria. Six research questions were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was used and the entire Population of 372 were used for the study. Therefore, there was no sampling. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires. The data obtained were organized and analysed using simple descriptive statistic which includes; Simple percentages, mean scores and frequency tables. The result showed that the level of awareness of some Library-based websites by Postgraduate students in conduct of research were low. Also, the result showed that students make use of social network sites more as against academic purpose. The problems associated with utilization of library-based websites are computer incompetency among some of the postgraduate students in using web facilities, lack of steady power supply, lack of appropriate funding, lack of provision of IT facilities. The strategies for enhancing utilization of library-based websites includes provision of adequate power supply, provision of adequate funding, arranging for seminar and workshop to teach students on how to browse and search for information on the web. The researcher recommended that there should be a lay down policy that will mandate departments to organize workshops and seminar where students will learn the act of websites usage. Also, the researcher recommended that websites utilization should be added to the school curriculum to mandate and equip researchers and students on the need to be aware of these websites.
