Tanzanian University Libraries' Approaches for Promoting Access and Use of Electronic Information Resources

Abstract

This study examines the approaches used by Tanzanian university libraries to promote access to and use of electronic information 
resources. Although universities have increasingly invested in electronic databases, e-books, and e-journals to support teaching, 
learning, and research, evidence suggests that these resources remain underutilized. This underutilization is largely attributed to limited user awareness, ineffective promotion strategies, and persistent accessibility challenges. The study, therefore, sought to identify the types of electronic resources available in Tanzanian university libraries and to evaluate the strategies employed to promote their access and use. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, supported by a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews from a sample comprising 357 postgraduate students, 141 library staff, and 7 library directors across seven universities. This design enabled efficient data collection from a geographically dispersed population while allowing for both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 23, whereas qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The findings indicate that Tanzanian university libraries have established a strong base in providing core electronic resources, particularly online databases, ebooks, and e-journals. Promotion strategies such as user orientation programs and the use of university and library websites were perceived as the most effective in enhancing awareness and encouraging usage. However, the study also identified gaps, including limited availability of supplementary resources and a lack of coordinated, multi-channel promotion strategies. The study concludes that while significant progress has been made, further improvements are necessary to maximize resource utilization. It recommends expanding underrepresented electronic resources through subscriptions and collaboration with the Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries (COTUL), strengthening access systems, promoting open-access materials, and implementing integrated, user-centered promotion and monitoring strategies to enhance accessibility and effective use.