COMPARATIVE STUDY OF REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN EBONYI STATE OF NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was to compare reference and information services in academic libraries in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. To achieve this, six research objectives were drawn which include: to identify reference and information services provided in academic libraries in Ebonyi State, find out resources available for reference and information services in these libraries, identify methods used for reference and information services provision in academic libraries in Ebonyi State, ascertain effectiveness of reference and information services in academic libraries in Ebonyi State, determine hindrances to reference and information services delivery in academic libraries in Ebonyi State. The study employed descriptive survey design. A sample user population of 272 and a total staff population of 7 constituted the sample for the study. Two set of questionnaire made up 61 items each and observation checklist were the instruments used to collect data which were presented in tables and analyzed using frequency counts and standard deviations. Findings revealed that current awareness services, selective dissemination of information, indexing and abstracting were the major reference services provided. Online catalogue and ICT facilities were not available for reference services in all the libraries. To remedy the situation, recommendations were made; some of which include: improved funding, application of ICT facilities and regular appraisal of reference and information services in academic libraries in Ebonyi State.