Computer self-efficacy, perceived enjoyment and use of digital library resources among postgraduate students in private universities in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the roles of computer self-efficacy and perceived enjoyment as driving factors influencing the usage of digital library resources among postgraduate students in private universities in Southwestern Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to investigate how these factors drive the adoption and sustained use of digital library resources to enhance academic success and research productivity. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected with the use of a structured questionnaire from 958 postgraduate students selected through a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of percentages, frequencies, standard deviation and regression were used to analyze collected data. Results indicated that postgraduate students primarily use digital library resources for academic writing, particularly theses and dissertations. The study also showed that postgraduate students exhibit high levels of computer self-efficacy and that both computer self-efficacy (β = 0.237, p < 0.05) and perceived enjoyment (β = 0.349, p < 0.05) significantly and positively affect digital library resource usage, with perceived enjoyment exerting a stronger influence. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing both technological confidence and the enjoyment factor to increase digital resource utilization. It was recommended that private universities implement targeted training programs to boost students’ computer self-efficacy and redesign digital library interfaces to improve user experience and enjoyment.