Use of Electronic Information Resources by Distance Learners: A Case Study of IGNOU

This study was a survey of distance learners� use of the electronic information resources at the IGNOU Regional Centre and Study Centres, Ranchi. A total of 100 responded learners which were randomly selected. A copy of a structured questionnaire by the researchers was used for data collection while simple percentage was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that majority of the sampled distance learners made used of electronic information resources. The findings also indicated that the electronic information resources were available at the library and used them majorly for their study purposes. It was also found that the distance learners preferred the electronic resources for research because they are less expensive, more informative, more useful and time saving. Factors hindering effective use of the library electronic information resources included power outage, slow download, low bandwidth and lack of computer systems. The study recommended amongst others training for distance learners on effective use of library electronic resources in the library.