Demographic factors and the use of open access resources (OARs) by undergraduates at the University of Ibadan | African Research Reports

Abstract:  This study investigated the relationship between demographic factors (age, level, gender, and academic discipline) and the use of open access resources (OARs) by undergraduates at the University of Ibadan. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A sample of 261 students from three faculties was selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, and multiple regression. Findings revealed that OARs like free electronic books (79.8%), open access journals (65.8%), and image portals (61.1%) were commonly used for assignments, personal reading, and research. The study found negligible relationship exists between demographic factors, and OAR usage. The study recommends promoting underutilized resources, improving internet speed, and enhancing infrastructure to support effective OAR usage among undergraduates.