Changing Trends in Information Sources Used by the Urdu Literature Students
Abstract
This study explores the factors influencing the adoption and use of digital information sources among Urdu literature students in Pakistani universities.
Despite the increasing availability of digital academic resources, students in this discipline continue to rely on traditional print materials. The research identifies key barriers, including limited digital literacy, lack of institutional support, inadequate technological infrastructure, and the scarcity of Urdu-language scholarly content in digital formats. Findings indicate that many students are unfamiliar with digital research tools, struggle with internet accessibility, and face financial constraints that limit their engagement with online academic databases. Additionally, faculty preferences for print sources and the absence of structured digital literacy training contribute to students’ reluctance to embrace digital resources. The study underscores the need for universities to expand digital collections, provide targeted ICT training, improve internet access, and promote the digitalization of Urdu-language academic content. Addressing these challenges can help facilitate a smoother transition toward digital research practices and ensure that Urdu literature students fully benefit from online scholarly resources.
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