Knowledge and Accessibility of Library Resources and Support Services by Distance Learners: A Study of University of Cape Coast Library

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to determine the knowledge and accessibility of library resources to the distance students in the University of Cape Coast. The study adopted a mixed methodology with the use of both interview guide and questionnaire. It was supported by documentary analysis of 271 data, comprising 270 respondents from the Distance Learners of the Cape Coast centre of College of Distance Education (CoDE), UCC and one Distance Education Librarian. Data for the study were collected between 1st and 22nd February 2019 with the help of a colleague. Some major findings are as follows: Distance learners generally appreciate the services and support libraries offer, but the scope of service accessibility is limited mainly due to lack of awareness. Also, so far, the library’s effort is not good enough as far as distance user awareness of library services and practicality of information literacy instruction for distance learners in the University are concerned. The study is limited to the Cape Coast centre of the College of Distance Education only, excluding the postgraduate students. The following are the implications of the study: Firstly, the library must increase efforts to make itself visible enough to distance learners. This will help distance learners who enrol in academic programmes to graduate from the school after tapping into the library resources. Secondly, the library should be dynamic and respond to the specific needs of distance learners and also connect directly with faculties involved in the distance programme.