The Knowledge and Use of Reference Management Systems (RMS): A Survey Among University Students in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and use of Reference Management  Software  (RMS) among university students pursuing various degrees in health and related programmes in  Ghana. It further  sought to find out respondents’ motives for choosing a particular RMS and also the various  sources of support for users of such programmes.

Design/methodology/approach: This descriptive cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to solicit for data  from  third year, fourth year and postgraduate students of the University of Health Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana,  on their  knowledge and use of RMS in their academic and scientific writings. 

Findings: This study found out that more males  use RMS than females. It was also confirmed that Mendeley  was the most known and used RMS and that training  organised by the library contributed to the increased  knowledge and utilisation of the RMS. Lack of knowledge about  RMS and institutions not requiring students to  use RMS contributed to their non-usage. The primary use of RMS among  the respondents was for insertion of  citations and generation of bibliographies for their assignments and theses.       

Originality/value: In Ghana, institutes of higher learning have witnessed the use of RMS among their  constituents.  However, apart from a recent study conducted among researchers at CSIR, no scientific study  had been conducted  among students on the purpose of this study. Thus, the findings of this study will inform  librarians and policymakers to  appreciate what their students require as far as the management of their  bibliographic needs is concerned.