Utilization of Reference Services by Undergraduate Students of Universities in Nasarawa State

Abstract

This paper assessed the utilization of reference services in Nigerian University Libraries by undergraduate students especially in Nasarawa State. The design for the study was descriptive survey which used questionnaire and observation as the instruments for data collection. The research was carried out using the simple random sampling method and questionnaire was designed and administered to three hundred and eighty (380) students out of which 350 were filled, returned and found usable. The objective of the research is to investigate the effectiveness and frequency of use of reference services by undergraduate students in Nigerian university libraries amongst others. The study showed that most of the students had no specific time for utilizing the reference services available to them. Also, it was evident from the data collected that the main reference services available are the traditional reference desk service and modern online reference service via social media like facebook, twitter, email and whatsapp. It was also evident that these services are effective. The major challenge associated with users' utilization of reference services in the library was that users felt they were so acquinted with the library such that they do not need assistance from the reference librarian or library staff because they felt they know their way round the library. Proffered strategies amongst others are: intensive sensitization on reference services during general study lectures, via notice boards, workshops or seminars.

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