[Nyamboga., 1(7): November, 2014] ISSN: 2349-4506 Global Journal of Engineering Science and Research Management http: // www.gjesrm.com (C) Global Journal of Engineering Science and Research Management [14] E-RESOURCES COMPLEXITIES AND THEIR USAGE AMONG THE INFORMATION SCIENCE STUDENTS IN MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY, KIGALI CAMPUS Constantine Nyamboga *1 Josephat Bosire 2 Haron Tinega 3 Vincent Mucyo 4 *1 Mount Kenya University. 2 University of Kigali. 3 Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. 4 Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. *Correspondence Author: constantinenyamboga@gmail.com Keywords: Library, e-Library resources, e-library resources complexities, e-library resource awareness. Abstract This study intended to ascertain the usage of e-library resources among the undergraduate students at Mount Kenya University (MKU)-Kigali Campus by determining the awareness level, e-library resources accessibility complexities and the challenges faced by information Science students. The study employed the use of a descriptive statistical research design in which the questionnaire instrument was administered the 178 undergraduate respondents of Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus. The analysis of the study indicated that a large number of the students were aware of the availability of electronic library resources through library notice board. However, students showed low awareness via other modes of communication such as colleagues (39.7%) for the undergraduate and 34.5% postgraduate, also only 6.4% of the undergraduate and 6.9% of were aware of the e-library resources through e-mail from the library. Many students indicated that they face challenges in accessing and using e-library resources and the main reasons put forward were lack of advanced information searching skills, information overload due to too much information available online. This implies therefore that there is a high need to improve on the awareness campaign via other modes of communication such as e-mails and seminars. Trainings and workshops on how to use e-library resources should be organized by the library staff and management so that the subscribed e-resources databases are used effectively and efficiently to maximize research in higher learning institutions. In conclusion, the study suggested that it would be important to establish information literacy programs so that students and the entire university community are acquainted with the use of electronic resources. Introduction to the study The use of electronic library resources for academic purpose would improve academic efficiency and increase technological skills and reduce anxiety when conducting research and learning. The last few decades of the twentieth century have been characterized by rapid changes in information access and acquisition through electronic resources as a result of advancement in Information communication technologies (ICTs) and hence considered as the century’s most remarkable development affecting scholarly communication (Egberongbe, 2011). Libraries have transformed into digital and virtual libraries where books, journals and Magazines have changed into e-books, e-journals and e-magazines. In his assertion that “over the last numerous years, a remarkable transformation has been noticed in collection development policies and practices” and Print medium is increasin gly being replaced by the electronic medium (Sharma, 2009). In its effort to improve and support learning, teaching, and research activities of the university, Mount Kenya University (MKU) has subscribed to the number of online library information resources such as open access databases, e-journals, e-books and electronic databases all over the world such as Health Internetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA), EBSCOhost database, Emerald, SAGE Journals, Biomedical and Life Sciences. Although all these resources are available, it is not certain whether students are aware of them and if they are aware, what are the complexities the students are facing while using the e-resources. Therefore, the main purpose for this study is to find out the level of awareness of the e-resources, perceived e-resources accessibility complexities by the users, which further result in affecting the usage of electronic library resources among the information science students in Mount Kenya University Kigali Campus. Specific objectives The specific objectives of this study are: i. To establish the awareness level of availability of e-library resources by information science students. ii. To establish the complexities experienced in accessing e-library resources by the information science students.