Access to Library Information Resources by University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

TL;DR

This systematic review analyzes how African university libraries adapted to COVID-19 by expanding digital access, employing technological tools, and facing challenges like limited internet and digital literacy among students.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of library responses and challenges during COVID-19 in Africa, highlighting the need for improved ICT infrastructure and digital resources.

Findings

Libraries expanded electronic access and virtual services.

Digital tools like social media and video conferencing were widely used.

Limited internet and digital literacy hindered access during the pandemic.

Abstract

The study examined access to library information resources by university students during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigated measures that were adopted by academic libraries for smooth delivery of library information resources to their patrons. It also identified technological tools that were employed by libraries to facilitate access to library information resources. We also investigated the challenges faced by students in accessing library information resources. A systematic literature review approach using PRISMA guidelines was employed to investigate the relevant literature on the subject. The keyword search strategy was employed to search for relevant literature from four scholarly databases Scopus, emerald, Research4life, and Google Scholar. In this study, 23 studies that fulfilled the criteria were included. The findings revealed that the majority of the reviewed studies indicate that, during the COVID-19 pandemic many academic libraries in Africa adopted different approaches to facilitate access to library information resources by university students including expanding access to electronic resources off-campus, virtual reference services, circulation and lending services. To support access to different library services and information resources academic libraries in Africa used various digital technological tools like social media, library websites, email and video conferencing. Moreover, the study revealed that limited access to internet services and ICT devices, inadequate electronic library collection and inadequate digital and information literacy were the major challenges faced by patrons during the pandemic. This study recommends investment in ICT infrastructures and expanding electronic resource collections which are vital resources in the digital era.