Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library

Shivaraja Ramachandragouda; M. Purushothmagowda; Umesha Naik; Renuka

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11

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Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library

Shivaraja Ramachandragouda^*

, M. Purushothmagowda, Umesha Naik

, Renuka

Published in American Journal of Information Science and Technology (Volume 10, Issue 1)

Received: 16 October 2025 Accepted: 29 October 2025 Published: 7 January 2026

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Abstract

This study examines the access and utilization of information resources and digital tools by students preparing for competitive examinations at Mangalore University Library. Using questionnaires, informal interviews, and observations, data were collected from 125 respondents preparing for exams such as UPSC, KPSC, NET/SET, KSP, IBPS, KEA, SSC, and various banking tests. The findings reveal a growing reliance on digital platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU’S, Testbook, and Oliveboard for courses and mock tests, despite limited awareness and training in using these resources effectively. While most still prefer printed materials, there is a noticeable shift toward online platforms, particularly for mock testing and current affairs preparation. The majority of respondents were female (56%) and postgraduate students (51.2%), with Science students forming the largest disciplinary group (50.4%). GK Today and Affairs Cloud emerged as the most preferred online sources, whereas the university library and coaching centers were the leading physical resources for preparation. Books remain the dominant learning medium (37.5%), followed by electronic resources (24.17%). The study highlights the need for improved digital infrastructure, dedicated library sections for competitive exam preparation, and user orientation programs to enhance awareness and effective use of available resources. It emphasizes the necessity for academic libraries to adapt to evolving student needs by integrating print and digital support systems for competitive exam aspirants.

Published in	American Journal of Information Science and Technology (Volume 10, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11
Page(s)	1-7
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Competitive Exam Aspirants, Academic Libraries, Digital Resources, Information Access, E-Resources, Digital Learning Tools, Study Materials, Library Services

References

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[3]	Balakrishnan, R., & Ramalingam, J. (2019). Digital Literacy Skills of the Aspirants of Competitive Examinations in the Anna Centenary Library, Chennai: A Study. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), University of Nebraska–Lincoln. 1-16. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/2339
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[6]	Gandhasiri, N., & Kumar, D. C. R. (2023).The role of university libraries in providing materials for competitive examinations to the users in Telangana. Anveshana’s International Journal of Research in Education, Literature, Psychology and Library Sciences, 8(3), 37–46. https://www.anveshanaindia.com
[7]	Hadagali, G. S., &Kumbar, B. D. (2011). Use of Internet by faculty members and research scholars in the 21st century: A study of university libraries of Karnataka State, India. Sri Lankan Journal of Librarianship and Information Management, 4(1–2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.4038/sllim.v4i1-2.4250
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[11]	Ramesh, A., & Kishore Kumar, S. (2016). A study on the practices and utility of resources by the aspirants of competitive exams in Karaikal District (Puducherry U.T.). Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, 5(4), 330–336. http://www.ijlis.org
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APA Style

Ramachandragouda, S., Purushothmagowda, M., Naik, U., Renuka. (2026). Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library. American Journal of Information Science and Technology, 10(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11

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ACS Style

Ramachandragouda, S.; Purushothmagowda, M.; Naik, U.; Renuka. Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library. Am. J. Inf. Sci. Technol. 2026, 10(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11

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AMA Style

Ramachandragouda S, Purushothmagowda M, Naik U, Renuka. Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library. Am J Inf Sci Technol. 2026;10(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11,
  author = {Shivaraja Ramachandragouda and M. Purushothmagowda and Umesha Naik and Renuka},
  title = {Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library},
  journal = {American Journal of Information Science and Technology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajist.20261001.11},
  abstract = {This study examines the access and utilization of information resources and digital tools by students preparing for competitive examinations at Mangalore University Library. Using questionnaires, informal interviews, and observations, data were collected from 125 respondents preparing for exams such as UPSC, KPSC, NET/SET, KSP, IBPS, KEA, SSC, and various banking tests. The findings reveal a growing reliance on digital platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU’S, Testbook, and Oliveboard for courses and mock tests, despite limited awareness and training in using these resources effectively. While most still prefer printed materials, there is a noticeable shift toward online platforms, particularly for mock testing and current affairs preparation. The majority of respondents were female (56%) and postgraduate students (51.2%), with Science students forming the largest disciplinary group (50.4%). GK Today and Affairs Cloud emerged as the most preferred online sources, whereas the university library and coaching centers were the leading physical resources for preparation. Books remain the dominant learning medium (37.5%), followed by electronic resources (24.17%). The study highlights the need for improved digital infrastructure, dedicated library sections for competitive exam preparation, and user orientation programs to enhance awareness and effective use of available resources. It emphasizes the necessity for academic libraries to adapt to evolving student needs by integrating print and digital support systems for competitive exam aspirants.},
 year = {2026}
}

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T1  - Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library
AU  - Shivaraja Ramachandragouda
AU  - M. Purushothmagowda
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AU  - Renuka
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DO  - 10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11
T2  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
JF  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
JO  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
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Author Information

Shivaraja Ramachandragouda

Department Library and Information Science, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-7589-7172
M. Purushothmagowda

Department Library and Information Science, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India

Contact Email
Umesha Naik

Department Library and Information Science, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1778-2451
Renuka

Department Library and Information Science, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-2469-7070

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APA Style

Ramachandragouda, S., Purushothmagowda, M., Naik, U., Renuka. (2026). Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library. American Journal of Information Science and Technology, 10(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11

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ACS Style

Ramachandragouda, S.; Purushothmagowda, M.; Naik, U.; Renuka. Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library. Am. J. Inf. Sci. Technol. 2026, 10(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11

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AMA Style

Ramachandragouda S, Purushothmagowda M, Naik U, Renuka. Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library. Am J Inf Sci Technol. 2026;10(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11,
  author = {Shivaraja Ramachandragouda and M. Purushothmagowda and Umesha Naik and Renuka},
  title = {Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library},
  journal = {American Journal of Information Science and Technology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajist.20261001.11},
  abstract = {This study examines the access and utilization of information resources and digital tools by students preparing for competitive examinations at Mangalore University Library. Using questionnaires, informal interviews, and observations, data were collected from 125 respondents preparing for exams such as UPSC, KPSC, NET/SET, KSP, IBPS, KEA, SSC, and various banking tests. The findings reveal a growing reliance on digital platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU’S, Testbook, and Oliveboard for courses and mock tests, despite limited awareness and training in using these resources effectively. While most still prefer printed materials, there is a noticeable shift toward online platforms, particularly for mock testing and current affairs preparation. The majority of respondents were female (56%) and postgraduate students (51.2%), with Science students forming the largest disciplinary group (50.4%). GK Today and Affairs Cloud emerged as the most preferred online sources, whereas the university library and coaching centers were the leading physical resources for preparation. Books remain the dominant learning medium (37.5%), followed by electronic resources (24.17%). The study highlights the need for improved digital infrastructure, dedicated library sections for competitive exam preparation, and user orientation programs to enhance awareness and effective use of available resources. It emphasizes the necessity for academic libraries to adapt to evolving student needs by integrating print and digital support systems for competitive exam aspirants.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Access and Usage of Information Resources and Digital Tools by Competitive Exam Aspirants in Mangalore University Library
AU  - Shivaraja Ramachandragouda
AU  - M. Purushothmagowda
AU  - Umesha Naik
AU  - Renuka
Y1  - 2026/01/07
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11
T2  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
JF  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
JO  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
SP  - 1
EP  - 7
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-0588
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20261001.11
AB  - This study examines the access and utilization of information resources and digital tools by students preparing for competitive examinations at Mangalore University Library. Using questionnaires, informal interviews, and observations, data were collected from 125 respondents preparing for exams such as UPSC, KPSC, NET/SET, KSP, IBPS, KEA, SSC, and various banking tests. The findings reveal a growing reliance on digital platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU’S, Testbook, and Oliveboard for courses and mock tests, despite limited awareness and training in using these resources effectively. While most still prefer printed materials, there is a noticeable shift toward online platforms, particularly for mock testing and current affairs preparation. The majority of respondents were female (56%) and postgraduate students (51.2%), with Science students forming the largest disciplinary group (50.4%). GK Today and Affairs Cloud emerged as the most preferred online sources, whereas the university library and coaching centers were the leading physical resources for preparation. Books remain the dominant learning medium (37.5%), followed by electronic resources (24.17%). The study highlights the need for improved digital infrastructure, dedicated library sections for competitive exam preparation, and user orientation programs to enhance awareness and effective use of available resources. It emphasizes the necessity for academic libraries to adapt to evolving student needs by integrating print and digital support systems for competitive exam aspirants.
VL  - 10
IS  - 1
ER  -

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