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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