Evaluation of Reference Services in Academic Libraries: a Comparative Analysis of Three Universities in Nigeria

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to evaluate reference services in academic libraries in Nigeria. In carry out this study, 4 research questions were posed. The population of the study consisted of 100 students. (60 students from University of Agriculture, Makurdi, 60 students from Benue State University and 40 students from the University of Mkar). One set of data collection instrument Evaluation of Reference Services in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (ERSAQ) was used. The major findings of the study revealed that reference services provided in the libraries include answering reference queries, provision of referral services and provision digital reference services. Based on the above findings, the following recommendations are presented: provision of adequate reference materials, regular re-training of reference librarians and provision of current awareness services for the library users.