TY  - JOUR
T1  - Enhancing Learning Through the Use of Digital Libraries in
Developing Countries Universities
AU - Mathias Kalema, Billy AU - Constance Mogase, Refilwe 
JO  - International Business Management
VL  - 11
IS  - 12
SP  - 2090
EP  - 2096
PY  - 2017
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1993-5250
DO  - ibm.2017.2090.2096
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=ibm.2017.2090.2096
KW  - Digital libraries
KW  -universities
KW  -technology usage
KW  -bandwidth
KW  -libraries usage
KW  -skills
AB  - Developing countries universities are characterised by financial constraints, lack of qualified
personnel, poor infrastructure and limited physical space. However, the increasing use of internet and the
ubiquitous of Information Technology (IT) enhanced learning tools and applications are dramatically changing
and bridging the gaps that existed between the learners of the rich developed and the poor developing
countries. With IT, learners can now conduct research, access learning materials of other universities as well
as collaborating with others within and outside their environment. It is evident that the availability of
information in electronic media has on the other hand created opportunities for global access to information,
increased the speed of service and has increased the number of learners being served regardless of the
geographical boundaries. However, much as universities have colossally invested in these digital libraries, their
optimal use by many learners in developing countries is still limited. The objective of this study therefore was
to investigate the usage of digital libraries at universities in developing countries and how such usage could
enhance learning. This study used data collected from a university in South Africa to verify digital libraries
usage. Data was collected and analyzed quantitatively. The results showed that bandwidth, system complexity,
lack of skills, information overload and training significantly impact on digital libraries usage. The empirical
evidence of this study is expected to serve as a cornerstone for digital libraries implementation and usage in
universities not only in developing countries but also in other institutions world across.
ER  -