This study aims to determine the knowledge and awareness of the online research guide among library users, ascertain the level of use/value of online research guides (LibGuides) on academic learning and research among library users and examine the determinants of online research guides (LibGuides) continuance usage intention by library users.
This study employs a quantitative approach as well as the expectation-confirmation model (ECM), proposed by Oliver in 1980 to investigate the utilization and awareness of LibGuides among library users at the School of Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon. A total of 285 participants were selected.
The users expressed overall satisfaction with LibGuides and perceived them as valuable resources. The analysis also revealed positive associations between satisfaction, perceived usefulness and continuance intention to use LibGuides.
This paper provides one of the first user-centered evaluations of online research guides (LibGuides) in Ghanaian universities, highlighting key gaps in design, accessibility and instructional relevance. Unlike prior studies from developed contexts, it offers context-specific insights from students and librarians in a developing country. The paper’s originality lies in its empirical exploration of how users interact with and perceive research guides as learning tools. Its value rests in proposing practical, evidence-based improvements to enhance guide effectiveness and usability. The findings offer a framework for improving digital research support services across African academic libraries and similar resource-constrained settings.
