Evaluation of Barriers to Online Information Retrieval Access among Academic Staff: A Case Study of Federal College of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges encountered by Arabic academics at the Federal Collage of Education (FCE), Zaria, Nigeria, when retrieving online information resources. A quantitative case study design was employed, with a census sampling of all 29 academics in the Department of Arabic. Data were collected using a validated, pilot-tested questionnaire, achieving a 96.6% response rate (n=28). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean scores) were used for analysis. The study is anchored in Wilson’s (1996) Model of Information Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989). Findings reveal that inadequate search skills (96.4%, mean=2.71), erratic power supply (92.9%, mean=2.6), difficulty in browsing (92.9%, mean=2.6), insufficient access to needed journals (92.9%, mean=2.6), slow Internet connectivity (89.3%, mean=2.5), and information overload (89.3%, mean=2.5) are the most critical barriers. Other challenges include poor ICT facilities, lack of office internet access, technophobia, and lack of printing facilities. The study concludes that without targeted information literacy training and substantial infrastructural improvements, effective information retrieval and academic productivity among this cohort will remain compromised. Recommendations include institution-led search skills workshops, dedicated power supply, and departmental internet connectivity.