Internet use by the faculty members of Kuwait University

Purpose - This study is designed to investigate the patterns of internet use by the faculty including purposes for use, its impact on teaching and research, internet resources that they use, and the problems faced while using the internet. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire, expert-reviewed and pilot-tested, was used to collect data from the faculty coming from four colleges of Kuwait University, i.e. Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Engineering. Half of the 491 potential participants were selected as the sample, with a response rate of 62.6 percent. Findings - A large majority have been using the computer and internet for more than five years. They use the internet mostly for, and give importance to, e-mail, search engines, and WWW resources mainly for communication, research, and publication. It has helped them to save time, find up to date information, and cooperate with their colleagues. Slow speed, lack of time, and lack of access from home are the major problems. Most of them are interested in improving the internet use skills through formal training. Practical implications - Kuwait University needs to improve its IT infrastructure, including providing distance access, and to provide formal training in the use of internet resources. Originality/value - This is the first comprehensive study of the use of the internet by the Kuwait University faculty. Its findings should help Kuwait University in its plans and programmes related to e-learning and strengthen pertinent resources and services of its libraries.