Awareness and Use of Open Access Journals by LIS Undergraduates in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

This study investigated the awareness and use of open access journals by LIS undergraduates in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and questionnaire was used for data collection. The sample for the study was drawn from the population through simple Random sampling technique, and a total sample size of 250 students was drawn from the total population of 620 students. A total of 213 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and analyzed with simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings that there is a low level of awareness of open access journals. The findings equally revealed that majority of the respondents are only aware of African Journals Online (AJOL) among the list of open access journals and databases. It was discovered that majority of the respondents use open access journals to a high extent for carrying out search for relevant literature for project and seminars, downloading of articles, and searching of research topics/ideas. The major hindrances to use of open access journals were found to be lack of internet search skills; and limited access to computer terminals. Recommendations include that librarians, lecturers and others stakeholders in the faculty should intensify efforts in creating awareness on the importance of open access publications.