Diana Atuase
3 Publications in AERD
Author Publications
Export PDFTowards Equitable Access: Improving Library Services for Distance Learning Students
By Diana Atuase
The plans and activities of academic libraries revolve around a user-centered approach to make noticeable improvements in the use of library resources and services. The purpose of this study was to examine library support strategies for the effective utilization of library support services and resources by distance-learning students. The research was conducted at the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast with distance learning students. A mixed-method approach was used, with 1170 students participating in quantitative research and 12 students and six (6) librarians participating in qualitative research, with Astin's (1993) Input-Environment-Output Model guiding the study. The findings of the study identified a lack of organized strategies for the use of library resources and services among distance learning students. The study proposed a model to improve the use of library resources and services among distance learning students. © 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston.
Marketing of library resources and its impact on the library usage of distance-learning students
By Diana Atuase
Purpose: Access to learning resources in higher education is a prerequisite for effective learning. The purpose of this study is to investigate how marketing of library resources can influences library usage of students from the University of Education Winneba and University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: The study was grounded in the pragmatic paradigm and guided by the mixed methods research approach. The sequential explanatory design was used in that, quantitative data was collected first, followed by the collection of qualitative data. The respondents were selected using the multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 1,170 students were involved in the quantitative study, and the qualitative study comprised 12 students and 6 librarians. The quantitative data were analysed descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings: The study found that the marketing of library resources and services increased awareness and motivates students from the University of Education Winneba and University of Cape Coast to use them. In addition, the study found no relationship between competencies in information literacy and the use of library resources and services beyond developing students’ capacity to use library resources The study further established a positive relationship between improved learning activities and the use of library resources and services by students at the University of Education Winneba and University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Originality/value: The study is unique in its scope and focus and will lead understanding to the use of library services and resources to achieving positive learning outcomes in Ghanaian distance learning institutions. Thus, the expanded benefit to students’ use of library services not only will improve their academic activities, performances, retention, programme completion, employment opportunities and lifelong learning but also is important for institutions to increase students’ enrolments, increase university world-wide visibility and influence national development. © 2022, Diana Atuase and Jan Maluleka.
Are Libraries up to the Task? Bridging the Gap between Libraries and Distance-Learning Students in Ghana
By Diana Atuase
The purpose of the study was to address gaps in the use of library information resources and services among distance learners. The study followed a pragmatic paradigm and employed a mixed-method research approach with a sequential explanatory design. A questionnaire was used to elicit information from 1,170 s-year distance learning students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast. The semi-structured interviews solicited the views of six librarians and twelve students. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program and thematic analysis. The study discovered that meeting distance learners’ information expectations are the way to address gaps in their use of library information resources and services. The study suggested that academic libraries conduct frequent service delivery reviews and student information needs assessments to identify gaps and improve services to meet students’ expectations. © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
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