DETERMINING GENDER AS PERSONAL CHARACTERISTIC THAT INFLUENCE UTILIZATION OF ONLINE LIBRARY SERVICES BY DISTANCE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI, KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing utilization of online library services by
distance students at the University of Nairobi. Specifically the study sought to achieve one objective; to
examine how gender as a personal characteristic influence utilization of online library services by
distance students at the university of Nairobi. The researcher applied an eclecticism research paradigm.
The study adopted descriptive survey design. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire
and interview schedule. The study targeted a total of 1000 students and 14 librarians in the school of
continuing and distance education. The sample therefore comprised of 278 distance students and 14
librarians. A pilot study was conducted with 28 student respondents and 1 librarian. This constituted
30% of the study sample. The reliability of the instruments was 0.72. The researcher applied captive
audience technique to collect data from the respondents. Data were analysed using frequency counts, the
mean and standard deviation and hypothesis was tested using Chi-square, T-test, one way ANOVA and
Regression analysis at0.05 level of significance. The key findings revealed that, there was no significant
relationship between distance students gender and utilization of online library services at the University
of Nairobi. For example, 49.3% of the male respondents considered using online library services daily,
twice and once a week compared to 13.6% of the female gender. The findings have important
implications in utilization of online library services. For instance, all distance students irrespective of
their gender should be encouraged to use online library services provided by the university. A study may
be carried out to investigate the effects of personal characteristics and institutional based factors on
effective utilization of online library services in private universities. The researcher considered the
ethical considerations so as to avoid plagiarism and ensured confidentiality.