Use of online information resources: A study of influencing factors among research scholars of UAS raichur and UAS Bagalkot

AbstractThe present study examines the influencing factors in the use of Online Information Resources (OIR) by research scholars at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Raichur and UAS Bagalkot. A survey method was employed to gather data from 150 research scholars to investigate the frequency of use of different types of OIR, the purpose, and the level of awareness about them. Types of OIR include traditional resources like e-journals, e-books, and databases, as well as new technology like AI tools and social media. The results show a strong adoption rate, with 86.7% of scholars using OIR daily for academic presentations, publishing, and keeping up with the latest news. The Spearman’s rho analysis revealed weak yet statistically significant positive correlations between the frequency of use of Online Information Resources (OIR) and specific factors such as ease of accessing information, time-saving advantages, availability of current information, convenience of access, and the presence of user-friendly interfaces. Mann-Whitney U tests showed no significant differences in factor ratings between the two colleges, i.e., users probably had the same opinion of both. Nonetheless, Chi-square tests revealed considerable disparities in preferences for social media and AI tools, underscoring the varied adoption of emerging technology. Strategies for confirming credibility preferred peer-reviewed journals and multi-source validation, but institutional support and specialist databases were less esteemed. The findings highlight the significance of accessibility, efficiency, and usefulness in promoting OIR utilization and indicate the necessity for enhanced institutional training and assistance to optimize resource utilization. The study provides significant insights for customizing digital resource management and capacity-building activities in agricultural higher education.