Impact of Electronic Databases on Users of Selected University Libraries in Garhwal Mandal Uttrakhand

Abstract

The present study focuses on studying the usage, impact, and status of electronic databases, awareness of electronic databases, etc., among the library users of seven selected universities one Central University, two State Universities, two Deemed Universities, and two Private Universities in Garhwal Mandal, Uttrakhand. newlineThe researcher has used a structured questionnaire as a data collection tool to collect primary data for the present doctoral thesis. The questionnaires are distributed in two parts, i.e. one among librarians and the other among users. Before constructing the questionnaire, a good amount of study was done regarding the electronic databases, and after consulting and reviewing the questionnaire, a productive questionnaire has been designed. It is important to mention that before finalizing the questionnaire, the researcher has conducted a pilot study to see the validity and relevance of the topic to work on. It is also important to mention that before finalizing the questionnaire, the researcher has discussed with the librarians of the selected universities, especially these improvements and modifications in the questionnaire that will be suitable for both students and faculty members. Importantly, the language of the questionnaire has been kept so simple to understand that all respondents can participate in answering the questionnaire. newlineThe study covered seven universities from Garhwal Mandal, Uttarakhand. These include HNB Garhwal University, (Central University), Doon University and Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttrakhand Technical University, Dehradun, (State Universities), Gurukul Kangri, Haridwar and Graphic Era University, Dehradun (Deemed Universities) and two private sector universities, one DIT University and the other University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun. The study took feedback from 3370 users to assess their awareness, experiences, and opinions about electronic databases. newline