Abstract

This study investigates the impact of electronic resources (e-resources) on postgraduate students' perception, preferences, and academic practices in academic libraries across 13 universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires, yielding 800 valid responses from MS/MPhil and Ph.D. students. The findings reveal that e-resources are widely utilized for academic purposes, including literature reviews, thesis writing, and research publication development. Students reported that these resources significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of their scholarly work by promoting critical thinking and idea generation. However, the study also highlights persistent challenges, including slow internet speeds, lack of off-campus access, insufficient librarian support, and limited training in advanced search techniques. These barriers restrict optimal usage and indicate the need for robust IT infrastructure, continuous user training, and institutional support. The research concludes that while e-resources play a critical role in postgraduate education and research, systemic improvements are required to maximize their effectiveness. The study contributes to the literature by offering context-specific insights from a digitally under-resourced region and recommends targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and enhance scholarly productivity.