Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Colleges in Mysuru Region: A Study

301 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Colleges in Mysuru Region: A Study Surendra C.S. Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Mysuru, Mysuru-570006 e-mail:niceguysur[email protected] Mallinath Kumbar Former Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Mysuru, Mysuru -570006 e-mail: [email protected] Abstract The present study was carried out in First Grade Colleges in the Mysuru region to examine the factors that affect the optimum utilisation of electronic information resources by the students. The study mainly focused on the use of different types of Electronic Information Resources by the science students, sources of awareness, Learn to use, problems faced, purpose of use, preferred search engines and search methods for effective retrieval of Electronic Information Resources. For this purpose, the authors prepared a well-structured questionnaire as a tool for data collection, and the collected questionnaire has been analysed and presented with useful percentage analysis and suitable tables for the presentation of data. The article concluded with summaries of the results, highlighting the major findings and suggestions. Keywords Electronic Information Resources, Retrieval Techniques, Search Strategies Electronic access The journal is available at www.jalis.in DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17300970 Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science ISSN: 2277-2219 Vol. 14. No.4. 2025. pp.301-310 1. Introduction The recent developments in Information Technology have changed the global scenario. Each and every aspect of human society has been affected by IT revolution and opened up new opportunities and challenges for all. The Internet has brought data communication and information exchange into a new level, providing the means to access a wide variety of databases and information repositories throughout the world. Anyone with a computer and a link to a network can access an astonishing array of information resources located throughout the world. The technology for transfer of information has advanced so rapidly that electronic publishing, electronic storage, processing and delivery of information, including text, images, audio and video, is now possible. Libraries, in particular, have benefited from these developments. The science students of the First Grade Colleges under the region of Mysuru are gradually adopting new technologies to satisfy their information needs while carrying out academic activities. 2. Review of Literature Many similar studies related to the topic have been reviewed, and the literature review gives a broader outlook. Some of the important reviews are presented below. Natarajan et al. (2010) surveyed faculty and research scholars at Annamalai University, India, finding low usage of e-resources despite their availability. Key barriers included lack of time, awareness, subject coverage, and slow download speeds. Kiran Kumar and Kumbar (2015) studied engineering institutions under Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, assessing factors affecting the utilization of electronic information resources. They discovered that while faculty members were generally aware of resources and library services, they required training in information search and retrieval in an online context. Mani and Thirumagal (2016) explored awareness, preferences, and issues surrounding eresources among students in self-financing engineering college libraries in Tamil Nadu. Osinulu (2020) focused on the awareness and use of electronic information resources among students in the College of Health Sciences, Sagamu, Nigeria, revealing that most students were unaware of available e-resources and reported infrequent usage. Major constraints identified included inadequate Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 302 computing facilities, inconsistent power supply, and slow internet. Recommendations included improving infrastructure, leveraging social media for awareness, and fostering collaboration between librarians and faculty for specialised database training. 3. Objectives of the Study The objectives behind conducting the present study are: 1. To identify various types of electronic information resources available for the science students of First Grade Colleges of the Mysuru region. 2. To know the level of awareness towards different types of Electronic information resources by the science students of First Grade Colleges of the Mysuru region. 3. To know the frequency of use, learn to use and the purpose of use of e-resources. 4. To identify the problems faced by the students while using electronic information resources. 5. To identify the preference for the internet and factors influencing the use of search engines. 6. To know the field-based searching techniques used by the students for accessing information on the internet. 7. To know the degree of Satisfaction obtained by the students on using e-resources. 8. To suggest ways and means for maximising the use of electronic information resources by the Science students in First Grade Colleges in the Mysuru region. 4. Methodology The study's scope is restricted to the Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Students of Science in first-grade colleges in the Mysuru region. At present, the Mysuru region has a total of 47 First Grade colleges with science. All the 47 colleges offering science course are covered in this study. The survey method was adopted using a questionnaire as a tool for data collection. A structured questionnaire was designed and distributed among the science students studying in the First Grade Colleges in the Mysuru region. Out of 2896 questionnaires distributed among students, 2254 filled-in questionnaires were received back, amounting to 77.83%. In addition to the questionnaire method, the interview and observation methods were also used to collect the required information. 5. Data Analysis The study uses statistical techniques for the analysis of data and presents it in the form of tables. 5.1. Gender Wise Distribution Table 5.1 shows that out of the 2254 students, 895 (39.71%) are ‘Male’, and the remaining 1359 (60.29%) are ‘Female’. Table 5.1: Gender Wise Distribution Gender Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private Un-Aided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Male 503(37.31) 298(42.45) 94(46.08) 895(39.71) Female 845(62.69) 404(57.55) 110(53.92) 1359(60.29) Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage 5.2. Preferred Version of Resources The Table-5.2 depicts that 997 (44.23%) of students prefer ‘Print Resources’ of information resources with Mean 1.47442 and SD 0.65719, 510 (22.63%) of students prefer ‘Electronic Resources’ of information resources with Mean 1.63333 and SD 0.66632, 747 (33.14%) of students prefer ‘Both print and electronic version’ of information resources with Mean 1.42035 and SD 0.63374. Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 303 Table 5.2: Preferred Version of Resources Prefer to use Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private Un-Aided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Print Resources 615(45.62) 291(41.45) 91(44.61) 997(44.23) 1.47442 0.65719 Electronic resources 241(17.88) 215(30.63) 54(26.47) 510(22.63) 1.63333 0.66632 Both print and electronic resources 492(36.50) 196(27.92) 59(28.92) 747(33.14) 1.42035 0.63374 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage χ2=47.898, df=4, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 04 d.f. at the 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between preferred version of resources and types of colleges (χ2=47.898, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that the preferred version of resources is dependent upon the types of colleges. 5.3. Awareness about Electronic Information Resources available at the library It is clear from the Table-3 about 2053 (91.08%) of students ‘Yes’, i.e. they are aware of electronic information resources available at the library with Mean of 1.42377 and SD 0.59766 and 201 (08.92%) of students opine as ‘No’ i.e. they are not aware of electronic information resources available at the library with Mean 2.19403 and SD 0.80246. Table 5.3: Awareness of Electronic Information Resources available at the Library Aware about Electronic Information Resources Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private Un-Aided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Yes 1299 (96.36) 638 (90.88) 116 (56.86) 2053 (91.08) 1.42377 0.59766 No 49 (03.64) 64 (09.12) 88 (43.14) 201 (08.92) 2.19403 0.80246 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage χ2=340.454, df=2, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 02 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between awareness of electronic information resources available at the library and types of colleges (χ2=340.454, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that awareness of electronic information resources available at the library is dependent upon types of colleges 5.4. Frequency of Use of E-Resources The Table-5.4 shows that 917 (40.68%) of students use e-resources ‘Fortnightly’ Mean 1.54308 and SD 0.70173, followed by 628 (27.86%) of students use eresources ‘Weekly’ Mean 1.40446 and SD 0.57726, 627 (27.82%) of students use e-resources ‘Daily’ Mean 1.50877 and SD 0.64975, 82 (03.64%) of students ‘Never’ use e-resources with Mean 1.47561 and SD 0.68478. Table 5.4: Frequency of Use of E-Resources Frequency of Use of EResources Gover nment (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private Un-Aided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Daily 362 (26.85) 211 (30.06) 54 (26.47) 627 (27.82) 1.50 877 0.64 975 Weekly 403 (29.90) 196 (27.92) 29 (14.22) 628 (27.86) 1.40 446 0.57 726 Fortnightl y 531 (39.39) 274 (39.03) 112 (54.90) 917 (40.68) 1.54 308 0.70 173 Never 52 (03.86) 21 (02.99) 09 (04.41) 82 (03.64) 1.47 561 0.68 478 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage χ2=29.968, df=6, P=0.00003986 The χ2-test was conducted for 06 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between the frequency of use of eresources and types of colleges (χ2=29.968, p=0.00003986<0.05). It is clear that the frequency of use of e-resources is dependent upon types of colleges Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 304 5.5. Access to Electronic information Resources Available in your College Library Table 5.5 shows that 2060 (91.39%) of students ‘Yes’, i.e. they have access to electronic resources available in the college library with a Mean 1.45243 and SD 0.62019 and 194 (08.61%) of students opine as ‘No’ i.e. they do not access to electronic resources available in the college library with a Mean 1.91753 and SD 0.85156. Table 5. 5: Access to Electronic Information Resources Available in your College Library Access any electronic information resources available in your college library Govern ment (N=134 8) Private Aided (N=70 2) Private UnAided (N=204 ) Total (N=225 4) Mea n SD Yes 1269 (94.14) 650 (92.59) 141 (69.12) 2060 (91.39) 1.45 243 0.6201 9 No 79 (05.86) 52 (07.41) 63 (30.88) 194 (08.61) 1.91 753 0.8515 6 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage χ2=142.893, df=2, P=0.000 The χ2-test was conducted for 02 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between access to electronic resources available in your college library and types of colleges (χ2=142.893, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that access to electronic resources available in your college library is dependent upon the type of college. 5.6. Type of E-Resources Accessed The Table-5.6 depicts that 1265 (56.12%) of students regularly access news chippings with Mean 1.52885 and SD 0.62440, followed by 1252 (55.55%) access e-books with Mean 1.50080 and SD 0.62624, 608 (26.97%) access e-journals with Mean 1.59704 and SD 0.66919, 203 (09.01%) access full text databases with Mean 1.85222 and SD 0.70034, 169 (07.50%) access bibliographical databases with Mean 1.78698 and SD 0.64511, 36 (01.60) of students access other types of e-resources like e-reports, edissertations, e-modules etc with Mean 1.75000 and SD 0.79495. Table 5.6: Type of E-Resources Accessed Type of e-resources Government (N=1269) Private Aided (N=650) Private UnAided (N=141) Total (N=2060) Mean SD E-Journals 308(22.85) 237(33.76) 63(30.88) 608(26.97) 1.59704 0.66919 E-Books 714(52.97) 449(63.96) 89(43.63) 1252(55.55) 1.50080 0.62624 Bibliographic databases 57(04.23) 91(12.96) 21(10.29) 169(07.50) 1.78698 0.64511 Full-text databases 67(04.97) 99(14.10) 37(18.14) 203(09.01) 1.85222 0.70034 News clippings 685(50.82) 491(69.94) 89(43.63) 1265(56.12) 1.52885 0.62440 Others like e-reports, edissertations, e-modules 17(01.26) 11(01.57) 08(03.92) 36(01.60) 1.75000 0.79495 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage and because of multiple choice options the percentage is exceeded to more than 100% χ2=91.701, df=10, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 10 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between the type of e-resources accessed and the types of colleges (χ2=91.701, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that type of e-resources accessed is dependent upon types of colleges 5.7. Aware of N-List services The Table 5.7 highlights that about 2153 (95.52%) of students answered ‘Yes’, i.e. they are aware of N-List services, with a Mean of 1.45379 and a standard deviation of 0.63847, and 101 (04.48%) of students answered ‘No’, i.e. they are not aware of N-List services, with a Mean of 2.31683 and a standard deviation of 0.46524. Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 305 Table 5.7: Aware of N-List services Aware of N-List services Governme nt (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private UnAided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Yes 1348 (100.00) 633 (90.17) 172 (84.31) 2153 (95.52) 1.4537 9 0.638 47 No 0 (00.00) 69 (09.83) 32 (15.69) 101 (04.48) 2.3168 3 0.465 24 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage χ2=169.993, df=2, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 02 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between awareness of N-List services and types of colleges (χ2=169.993, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that aware of N-List services is dependent upon types of colleges. 5.8. Learn to use E information resources Services The Table-5.8 that about 1468 (63.80%) of students learn to use e-resources by guidance from library staffs with Mean 1.52295 and SD 0.67167, followed by 985 (43.70%) attending library orientation program with Mean 1.30355 and SD 0.60475, 872 (38.69%) self-learning with Mean 1.59518 and SD 0.77822, 799 (34.56%) trial and error with Mean 1.74069 and SD 0.77973, 518 (22.98%) of students Guidance from the friends/ Teachers with Mean 1.83205 and SD 0.79135. Table 5.8: Learn to use E-Resources Services Learn to use E-resources Services Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private UnAided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Trial and error 364(27.00) 253(36.04) 162(79.41) 779(34.56) 1.74069 0.77973 Self-learning 512(37.98) 201(28.63) 159(77.94) 872(38.69) 1.59518 0.77822 Guidance from the friends/ Teachers 213(15.80) 179(25.50) 126(61.76) 518(22.98) 1.83205 0.79135 Attending library orientation program 762(56.53) 147(20.94) 76(37.25) 985(43.70) 1.30355 0.60475 Guidance from the library staff 831(61.65) 462(65.81) 145(71.08) 1438(63.80) 1.52295 0.67167 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage, and because of multiple choice options the percentage is exceeded to more than 100% χ2=311.478, df=8 P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 08 d.f. at the 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between learn to use e-resources services and types of colleges (χ2=311.478, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that learn to use e-resources services is dependent upon the types of colleges. 5.9. Purpose of Use of Electronic Information Resources It is identified form the Table-5.9 that the students have top priority 1430 (63.44%) for academic assignments with Mean 1.52797 and SD 0.67336, followed by 1374 (60.96%) to collect relevant information on the subject with Mean 1.53712 and SD 0.70226, 1342 (59.564%) to prepare for Competitive exams with Mean 1.51788 and SD 0.68683, 1306 (57.94%) for Preparation for seminars with Mean 1.53216 and SD 0.69407, 1195 (53.02%) for collecting general Information with Mean 1.61506 and SD 0.71149, 1151 (51.06%) of students use to read journal articles pertaining to our subjects with Mean 1.45004 and SD 0.65305 . Table 5.9: Purpose of Use of E-resources Purpose Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private UnAided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD To read journal articles pertaining to our subjects 736(54.60) 312(44.44) 103(50.49) 1151(51.06) 1.45004 0.65305 Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 306 For academic assignments 821(60.91) 463(65.95) 146(71.57) 1430(63.44) 1.52797 0.67336 To collect relevant information on the subject 804(59.64) 402(57.26) 168(82.35) 1374(60.96) 1.53712 0.70226 Preparation for seminars 763(56.60) 391(55.70) 152(74.51) 1306(57.94) 1.53216 0.69407 For collecting general Information 621(46.07) 413(58.83) 161(78.92) 1195(53.02) 1.61506 0.71149 To prepare for Competitive exams 796(59.05) 397(56.55) 149(73.04) 1342(59.54) 1.51788 0.68683 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage and because of multiple choice options the percentage is exceeded to more than 100% χ2=42.008, df=10, P=0.00000747 The χ2-test was conducted for 10 d.f. at the 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between the purpose of use of eresources and types of colleges (χ2=42.008, p=0.00000747<0.05). It is clear that the purpose of use of e-resources is dependent upon types of colleges 5.10. Reasons for Using Electronic Information Resources It is clear from the Table-5.10 that the students have largely benefited with 1809 (80.26%) easier access to information with Mean 1.54782 and SD 0.67985, followed by 1717 (76.18%) time saving with Mean 1.55970 and SD 0.68051, 1663 (73.78%) faster access to information with Mean 1.60433 and SD 0.68207, 1653 (73.34%) access to wider range of sources of information with Mean 1.50696 and SD 0.67859, 1554 (68.94%) of students provide reason to access e-resources because it provide access to current information with Mean 1.55598 and SD 0.67385. Table 5.10: Reasons for Using Electronic Information Resources Reason Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private Un-Aided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Timesaving 942(69.88) 589(83.90) 186(91.18) 1717(76.18) 1.55970 0.68051 Easier access to information 1012(75.07) 603(85.90) 194(95.10) 1809(80.26) 1.54782 0.67985 Faster access to information 846(62.76) 629(89.60) 188(92.16) 1663(73.78) 1.60433 0.68207 Access to wider range of sources of information 989(73.37) 490(69.80) 174(85.29) 1653(73.34) 1.50696 0.67859 Access to current information 851(63.13) 542(77.21) 161(78.92) 1554(68.94) 1.55598 0.67385 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage and because of multiple choice options the percentage is exceeded to more than 100% χ2=30.162, df=8, P=0.00019788 The χ2-test was conducted for 08 d.f. at the 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between reasons for using electronic information resources and types of colleges (χ2=30.162, p=0.00019788<0.05). It is clear that reasons for using electronic information resources are dependent upon types of colleges. 5.11. Problems Faced While Using E-Information Resources. The Table-5.11 depicts that 1452 (64.42%) of students face problem to access e-resources due to off campus access restrictions with Mean 1.49449 and SD 0.68381, followed by 1299 (57.63%) less bandwidth of internet with Mean 1.50423 and SD 0.67321, 1037 (46.01%) varied search pattern with Mean 1.67020 and SD 0.75888, 881 (39.09%) inadequate database subscription with Mean 1.68558 and SD 0.73652, 729 (32.34%) inability to get the desired information with Mean 1.75995 and SD 0.71337, 722 (32.03%) limited access to computer with Mean 1.64820 and SD 0.73557, 745 (33.05%) system hang up with Mean 1.62013 and SD 0.69466, Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 307 513 (22.76%) lack of awareness of required electronic resources with Mean 1.88304 and SD 0.77104, 453 (20.10%) mot sure which database to choose with Mean 1.90949 and SD 0.72983, 222 (09.85%) password requirements with Mean 2.00901 and SD 0.75888. Table 5.11: Problems Faced While Using E-Information Resources Problems/Barriers Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private UnAided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Inability to get the desired information 294(21.81) 316(45.01) 119(58.33) 729(32.34) 1.75995 0.71337 Lack of awareness of required electronic resources 186(13.80) 201(28.63) 126(61.76) 513(22.76) 1.88304 0.77104 Inadequate database subscription 421(31.23) 316(45.01) 144(70.59) 881(39.09) 1.68558 0.73652 Not sure which database to choose 143(10.61) 208(29.63) 102(50.00) 453(20.10) 1.90949 0.72983 Limited access to computers 367(27.23) 242(34.47) 113(55.39) 722(32.03) 1.64820 0.73557 Password requirements 59(04.38) 102(14.53) 61(29.90) 222(09.85) 2.00901 0.73516 Varied search pattern 526(39.02) 327(46.58) 184(90.20) 1037(46.01) 1.67020 0.75888 System hangs up 375(27.82) 278(39.60) 92(45.10) 745(33.05) 1.62013 0.69466 Less bandwidth 776(57.57) 391(55.70) 132(64.71) 1299(57.63) 1.50423 0.67321 Off campus access restrictions 892(66.17) 402(57.26) 158(77.45) 1452(64.42) 1.49449 0.68381 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage and because of multiple choice options the percentage is exceeded to more than 100% χ2=344.615, df=18, P=0.00 The χ2-test conducted for 18 d.f. at the 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between problems faced while using einformation resources and types of colleges (χ2=344.615, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that problems faced while using e-information resources is dependent upon types of colleges. 5.12. Preferred Search Engines. The Table-5.12 shows that about 2008 (89.09%) of students prefer ‘Google’ search engine with Mean 1.49353 and SD 0.66197, followed by 1042 (46.23%) of students prefer ‘Yahoo’ with Mean 1.48752 and SD 0.65887, 860 (38.15%) of students prefer ‘Youtube’ with Mean 1.63953 and SD 0.67708, 615 (27.28%) of students prefer ‘Bing’ with Mean 1.55122 and SD 0.70323, 521 (23.11%) of students prefer ‘ASK.com’ with Mean 1.28023 and SD 0.53133, 151 (06.70%) of students prefer ‘Yandex’ with Mean 1.49007 and SD 0.60754, 134 (05.94%) of students prefer ‘AOL’ with Mean 1.22388 and SD 0.54144, 118 (05.24%) of students prefer ‘Duckduckgo’ with Mean 1.18644 and SD 0.48624, 93 (04.13%) of students prefer ‘Baidu’ with Mean 1.35484 and SD 0.69785, 34 (01.51%) of students prefer ‘Naver’ with Mean 1.50000 and SD 0.69663. Table 5.12: Preferred Search Engines Search Engines Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private Un-Aided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD AOL 112(08.31) 14(01.99) 08(03.92) 134(05.94) 1.22388 0.54144 ASK.com 396(29.38) 10414.81) 21(10.29) 521(23.11) 1.28023 0.53133 Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 308 BAIDU 72(05.34) 09(01.28) 12(05.88) 93(04.13) 1.35484 0.69785 BING 352(26.11) 187(26.64) 76(37.25) 615(27.28) 1.55122 0.70323 DUCKDUCKGO 101(07.49) 12(01.71) 05(02.45) 118(05.24) 1.18644 0.48624 GOOGLE 1206(89.47) 613(87.32) 189(92.65) 2008(89.09) 1.49353 0.66197 NAVER 21(01.56) 09(01.28) 04(01.96) 34(01.51) 1.50000 0.69663 YANDEX 86(06.38) 56(07.98) 09(04.41) 151(06.70) 1.49007 0.60754 YAHOO 630(46.74) 316(45.01) 96(47.06) 1042(46.23) 1.48752 0.65887 YOUTUBE 408(30.27) 354(50.43) 98(48.04) 860(38.15) 1.63953 0.67708 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage and because of multiple choice options the percentage is exceeded to more than 100% χ2=210.107, df=18, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 04 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between the search method used to search for information on the internet and the types of colleges (χ2=96.582, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that the search method used to search for information on the internet is dependent upon the types of colleges. 5.13. Factors Influencing the Use of Search Engines. The Table-5.13 depicts that in case of easy to browse the Internet sources, majority of 799 (35.45%) of students are influenced to ‘Moderate Extent’, followed by the factor like user friendly features of search engines influence 734 (32.56%) of students to ‘Some Extent’, the Search Strategy of the search engine influenced 801 (35.54%) of students to ‘Some Extent’, the majority of 806 (35.76%) of students are influenced by the factors of popularity of search engine to a ‘Great Extent’, the factor influencing the use of search engine like recommendations of library staff/colleagues majority of 716 (31.77%) of students are influenced to ‘Some Extent’, the factor that are more relevant information can be retrieved via search engines influenced 895 (39.71%) of students to a ‘Moderate Extent’ and in case of a factor like advance search features help in achieving relevant resources/ output is influencing 763 (33.85%) of students to a ‘Great Extent’. Table 5.13: Factors Influencing the Use of Search Engines Factors (N=2254) Great Extent Moderate Extent Some extent Uncertain Easy to browse the Internet sources 425(18.86) 799(35.45) 609(27.02) 421(18.68) User friendly features 686(30.43) 625(27.73) 734(32.56) 209(09.27) I know the search strategy of the search Engine 341(15.13) 438(19.43) 801(35.54) 674(29.90) Popularity of Search engine 806(35.76) 615(27.28) 636(28.22) 197(08.74) Recommendations by library staff/friends 597(26.49) 632(28.04) 716(31.77) 309(13.71) More relevant information can be retrieved 631(27.99) 895(39.71) 463(20.54) 265(11.76) Advanced search features help in achieving relevant resources/ output 763(33.85) 638(28.31) 701(31.10) 152(06.74) Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage χ2=1200.13, df=18, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 18 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between factors influencing the use of search engines and types of colleges (χ2=1200.13, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that factors influencing the use of search engines are dependent upon the types of colleges. 5.14. Searching Techniques Used for Accessing Information on the Internet The Table-5.14 shows that about 1780 (78.97%) of students prefer ‘Keyword’ search with Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, Vol.14, No.4.Oct-Dec.. 2025, pp-301-310 Use of Electronic Information Resources by the Science Students of First Grade Col../Surendra C.S &Mallinath Kumbar 309 Mean 1.51966 and SD 0.65699, followed by 1670 (74.09%) of students prefer ‘Title’ search with Mean 1.51796 and SD 0.66068, 1304 (57.85%) of students prefer ‘Author’ search with Mean 1.55455 and SD 0.63399, 967 (42.90%) of students prefer ‘Subject’ search with Mean 1.58738 and SD 0.71933, 325 (14.425%) of students prefer ‘Publisher’ with Mean 1.44615 and SD 0.74896, 142 (06.30%) of students prefer ‘Abstract’ search for accessing information on the internet with Mean 1.49296 and SD 0.69956. Table 5.14: Searching Techniques Used for Accessing Information on the Internet Searching Techniques Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private Un-Aided (N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Keyword 1017(75.45) 601(85.61) 162(79.41) 1780(78.97) 1.51966 0.65699 Author 682(50.59) 521(74.22) 101(49.51) 1304(57.85) 1.55445 0.63399 Title 961(71.29) 553(78.77) 156(76.47) 1670(74.09) 1.51796 0.66068 Subject 532(39.47) 302(43.02) 133(65.20) 967(42.90) 1.58738 0.71933 Publisher 231(17.14) 43(06.13) 51(25.00) 325(14.42) 1.44615 0.74896 Abstract 89(06.60) 36(05.13) 17(08.33) 142(06.30) 1.49296 0.69956 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage and because of multiple choice options the percentage is exceeded to more than 100% χ2=112.203, df=10, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 10 d.f. at the 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between field-based searching techniques used for accessing information on the internet and types of colleges (χ2=112.203, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that field-based searching techniques used for accessing information on the internet are dependent upon the types of colleges. 5.15. Degree of Satisfaction on the Usage of EIR The Table-5.15 depicts that 730 (32.39%) of students are ‘Satisfied’ with the usage of Electronic Information Resources with Mean 1.42740 and SD 0.66893, followed by 553 (24.53%) of students are ‘Moderately Satisfied’ with Mean 1.55515 and SD 0.68379, 542 (24.05%) of students are ‘Extremely Satisfied’ with Mean 1.50554 and SD 0.61872, 355 (15.75%) of students are ‘Slightly Satisfied’ with Mean 1.46197 and SD 0.56228 and 74 (03.28%) of students are ‘Not at all satisfied’ with the usage of Electronic Information Resources with Mean 1.71622 and SD 0.87796. Table 5.15: Degree of Satisfaction with the Usage of EIR Degree of Satisfaction Government (N=1348) Private Aided (N=702) Private UnAided(N=204) Total (N=2254) Mean SD Extremely Satisfied 304(22.55) 202(28.77) 36(17.65) 542(24.05) 1.50554 0.61872 Satisfied 492(36.50) 164(23.36) 74(36.27) 730(32.39) 1.42740 0.66893 Moderately Satisfied 307(22.77) 185(26.35) 61(29.90) 553(24.53) 1.55515 0.68379 Slightly Satisfied 203(15.06) 140(19.94) 12(05.88) 355(15.75) 1.46197 0.56228 Not all Satisfied 42(03.12) 11(01.57) 21(10.29) 74(03.28) 1.71622 0.87796 Note: Figures in parentheses indicate percentage χ2=99.753, df=8, P=0.00 The χ2-test was conducted for 08 d.f. The 5% level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between the degree of satisfaction with the usage of electronic information resources and the types of colleges (χ2=99.753, p=0.00<0.05). It is clear that the degree of satisfaction with the usage of electronic information resources is dependent upon