Reading habits of students at Uganda College of Commerce, Tororo, Uganda

Abstract

This study, carried out at Uganda College of Commerce, Tororo Uganda aimed at investigating the reading habits of students at Uganda College of Commerce, Tororo to propose strategies to enhance students’ reading habits in higher education institutions. The study was guided by five objectives that are: to identify the reasons why students at Uganda College of Commerce Tororo read, to identify information resources sought by students at Uganda College of Commerce Tororo, to establish students’ reading preferences between print and digital resources, to establish the factors that influence the reading habits of students at Uganda College of Commerce, Tororo and to propose strategies for redesigning the library and information services in Uganda Colleges of Commerce. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design with a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interview methods. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and thematic analysis respectively. The study population was heterogeneous and thus included a sample size of two hundred forty-two students from different academic programs and fifteen staff members of Uganda College of Commerce, Tororo. It was established that students at Uganda College of Commerce, Tororo mostly read to pass examinations, and textbooks are the most used information resources. Students prefer print information resources to digital ones. It emerged that lack of Internet was the biggest challenge affecting students’ reading. To enhance students’ reading habits at UCC Tororo, the library should improve its collection that is, provide more books and current editions. Students should be provided with computers and the Internet. The study recommends the adoption of good library collection programs, provision of computers with the Internet for students, provision of printing technology, information literacy policies, libraries being proactive in promoting students’ reading habits, enhanced funding for government institutions, automation of libraries, development of institutional repositories, subscription to e-resources and integration of social media in library services provision.