Digital Literacy and Utilisation of Internet Facilities among Undergraduate Students in University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria

This study examines the "Digital Literacy and Utilization of Internet Facilities in University This study examines the "Digital Literacy and Utilization of Internet Facilities in University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria," focusing on how digital literacy levels impact students' ability to effectively use Internet resources for academic purposes. The study aimed to assess the current digital literacy levels among undergraduate students, the extent to which these skills affect their use of internet facilities, the availability of these facilities, and the challenges students face in their utilization. A descriptive research design was employed, involving 208 undergraduate students from three state universities in Delta State, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using a validated and reliable questionnaire, and analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including, frequency, percentage, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). Findings reveal that students generally possess a high level of digital literacy, with strong abilities in navigating digital resources, downloading e-books, and using cloud storage services. However, they demonstrate lower proficiency in using online databases and evaluating the credibility of online sources. The study also found that digital literacy significantly influences the utilisation of internet facilities, with students’ overall experience being strongly affected by their digital competencies. Despite this, the extent to which undergraduate students utilise internet facilities for academic purposes was found to be low. In conclusion, while students’ digital literacy levels are relatively high, the limited and often inadequate internet facilities in university libraries hinder their full utilization of online resources. The study recommends that university administrators improve library internet infrastructure and provide robust technical support to enhance students’ access to and effective use of internet facilities. Additionally, targeted digital literacy programs should be integrated into the curriculum to further develop students' competencies, thereby optimizing their academic performance.