IMPACT OF INTERNET ACCESS ON THE USE OF LAW LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES BY STUDENTS AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
IMPACT OF INTERNET ACCESS ON THE USE OF LAW LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES BY STUDENTS AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
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Date
2025
Authors
Aliyu Ahmad,
Bilkisu Lawal
Abdulhameed L. Gambo
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Publisher
Library and Information Management Forum
Abstract
This study examines the impact of internet access on the utilization of law library
information resources by students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. With the increasing
shift toward digital information sources, traditional libraries especially academic law
libraries face declining patronage. This study was guided by three research questions
which are: Are law students of Ahmadu aware of the library resources in the department,
and how often do students visit the library? What are the perception of law students in
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on the differences that exist between resources in the law
library and those found online and What challenges do law students in Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria encounter in using information resources from the law library? This
study employed a qualitative research approach, using exploratory qualitative research
design. The study population consisted of all 400-level law students at Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from seven finalyear
law students who were purposively sampled due to their willingness to participate in
the study. A tape recorder was used to collect participants’ opinions. Findings revealed
that internet access has significantly influenced students' use of the law library, primarily
due to ease of access, lack of awareness of available library resources, and the perception
that the library is outdated. This study concludes that to remain relevant, law libraries
must adopt digital strategies, improve service delivery, and actively promote their
resources. Recommendations include the digitization of library collections, enhanced user
education, and improved librarian-user engagement.
Description
Library and Information Management Forum