ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF LIBRARY SERVICES AMONG DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENTS AT UGANDA MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

Abstract

Libraries ought to adapt to meet the changing needs of users, including distance education students. This study assessed the impact of library services among distance education students at Uganda Management Institute to evaluate how well they meet the information needs of distance education students. The objectives of the study were: to find out the library resources provided to distance education students at Uganda Management Institute; to quantify the user satisfaction rates of distance education students regarding the library information and services provided at Uganda Management Institute; to establish the satisfaction rates of distance education students regarding library staff support at Uganda Management Institute; and to evaluate the extent to which library and information services meet the information needs of distance education students at Uganda Management Institute. This was a mixed-methods study that used a case study research design. The study population was composed of 150 distance education students and 5 librarians. Sampling involved simple random selection of 109 students from a population of 150 and a census of five librarians. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and semi‑structured interviews, with instruments detailed in the appendices. The study findings revealed that UMI provided diverse library resources. It was further revealed that most distance education students were generally satisfied with the library information and services at UMI and they met their information needs. However, challenges were faced such as the lack of awareness about the full spectrum of library information and services at UMI, cost attached to some library resources, limited computers and slow internet. It was concluded that the UMI library provides a wide range of library resources to distance education students at the institution. Most distance education students are satisfied with the library information and services at UMI and also most agree that they meet their information needs. However, they are also exposed to challenges such as the lack of understanding of the full spectrum of library information and resources due to tight schedules, need to pay for some library resources, limited computers and slow internet, which affect their user satisfaction rates. It is imperative to address these challenges to enhance their user satisfaction rates. The study recommended educating distance education students on available library information and services subsidizing fees on library resources, obtaining more computers and faster internet, and conducting needs assessments.