eLibraryUSA Adoption at a Nigerian Private University in Edo State: Case Study of Barriers & Usage Patterns at Igbinedion University, Okada Edo State

Bonnie Obeka Obande; Efosa Egharevba; Vincent Osamuyimen  Ekhaguosa; Grace Amarachi Unamba; Musa Bilal Ado

Authors

Bonnie Obeka Obande (CLN) Igbinedion University Medical Library, Okada Edo State
Efosa Egharevba Igbinedion University Medical Library, Okada Edo State
Vincent Osamuyimen Ekhaguosa Igbinedion University Central Library, Okada Edo State
Unamba Grace Amarachi Igbinedion University Medical Library, Okada Edo State
Musa Bilal Ado Igbinedion University Central Library, Okada Edo State

Keywords:

eLibraryUSA, academic libraries, digital resources, private universities, Nigeria, Igbinedion University, technology adoption.

Abstract

This case study investigates the adoption, usage patterns, and barriers of eLibraryUSA at Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), and a private university in Edo State, Nigeria. Using mixed methods, data were drawn from COUNTER R5 reports for 2025, institutional IT logs, and semi-structured interviews with 10 librarians and 25 undergraduate students. Findings reveal moderate but assignment-driven usage, with EBSCOhost and JSTOR accounting for 76% of downloads. Key barriers include low awareness among students, IP-based access restrictions for off-campus users, limited integration into curricula, and competing commercial subscriptions. Faculty referral and library training emerged as primary usage drivers. The study recommends proxy authentication, embedded information literacy, and targeted marketing to improve ROI on donated resources amid 2026 funding pressures on private universities.