Exploring Age as Personal Characteristic that Influence Utilization of Online Library Services by Distance Students at the University of Nairobi, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing utilization of online library services by distance students at the University of Nairobi. Specifically the study sought to achieve one objective; to examine how age as a personal characteristic influence utilization of online library services by distance students at the university of Nairobi. The researcher applied an eclecticism research paradigm. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire and interview schedule. The study targeted a total of 1000 students and 14 librarians in the school of continuing and distance education. The sample therefore comprised of 278 distance students and 14 librarians. A pilot study was conducted with 28 student respondents and 1 librarian. This constituted 30% of the study sample. The reliability of the instruments was 0.72. The researcher applied captive audience technique to collect data from the respondents. Data were analysed using frequency counts, the mean and standard deviation and hypothesis was tested using Chi-square, T-test, one way ANOVA and Regression analysis at0.05 level of significance. The key findings revealed that, the null hypothesis was rejected and conclusion that utilization of online library services was dependent upon distance student’s age-group. Majority of student’s 54.2% in the category of 21-30 age group made use of online library services. A study may be carried out to investigate the effects of personal characteristics and institutional based factors on effective utilization of online library services in private universities. The researcher considered the ethical considerations so as to avoid plagiarism and ensured confidentiality.