15-Access to Library Information Resources by University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

Access to Library Information Resources by University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Joyce Charles Shikali,Paul S. Muneja and Mohamed. Kassim

Abstract

The study examined access to library information resources by university students during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Specifically, the study sought to identify the measures adopted by academic libraries to ensure the smooth delivery of library information resources to patrons, particularly students, identify technological tools that were employed by libraries to facilitate access to library information resources. Not only that but also, the study investigated the challenges faced by students in accessing library information resources. A systematic literature review approach following PRISMA guidelines was employed to investigate the findings of the relevant literature on the subject. The keyword search strategy was employed to search for relevant literature from four scholarly databases Scopus, Emerald, Research4life and Google Scholar. The relevant 23 studies were included fulfilling the set inclusion criteria. The presentation of the findings was arranged in a tabular form to provide a summary of each article to facilitate easy analysis and synthesis of results. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of the reviewed studies indicate that, during the COVID-19 pandemic many academic libraries in Africa adopted different approaches to facilitate access to library information resources by university students including expanding access to electronic resources off- campus, virtual reference services, circulation and lending services. To support access to different library services and information resources academic libraries in Africa used various digital technological tools like social media, library websites, email and video conferencing. Moreover, the study revealed that limited access to internet services and ICT devices, inadequate electronic library collection and inadequate digital and information literacy were the major challenges faced by many university students in accessing library resources during the pandemic. This study recommends investment in ICT infrastructures and expanding electronic resource collections which are vital resources in the digital era.

Keywords: Access, library information resources, academic library, university students, COVID-19 pandemic, Africa     

Proceedings of  the 4th COTUL Scientific Conference, 7th-11th November, 2022