Original Research
An analysis of perceived usefulness of Google Scholar by the postgraduate students of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Submitted: 19 September 2016 | Published: 23 May 2017
About the author(s)
Adeyinka Tella, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, South AfricaMichael Oyewole, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Adedeji Tella, Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Objectives: The study examined the perceived usefulness of Google Scholar by the postgraduate students of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 223 postgraduate students selected through simple random sampling from 15 faculties that made up the University formed the sample for the study. A survey approach was adopted using a questionnaire to gather data from respondents. Six research questions were developed to guide the study.
Results: The results demonstrate that the majority of respondents strongly agreed and agreed that they were aware of Google Scholar and usually used it. However, the respondents were not satisfied with Google Scholar as it does not either speed up their research or make their research easier. Google Scholar was considered useful because it covers broad topics in the area of interest and usually provides relevant articles related to the respondents’ search done through this platform.
Conclusion: The study concluded by recommending, among others, that there is a need for orientation programmes to enhance the use of Google Scholar via the university library.
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