Homophily- Heterophily and Information Literacy As Correlates Of Effective Reference Services In University Libraries in North –Central Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined homophily-heterophily and information literacy as correlates of effective reference services in university libraries in North- Central Nigeria. Descriptive design of correlational type was adopted. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to stratify the universities into federal, state and private universities. Random sampling technique was used to select nine universities. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select 1,500 (1.21%) of undergraduates out of 123,950 undergraduates. The self-developed instruments used were: Effective reference Services (r = 0.95), Homophily- Heterophily (r = 0.91), Information literacy (r= 0.86). Data were analysed using Pearson’s product moment correlation and Multiple regression at 0.05 level of significance. There were significant positive relationships between effective reference services delivery to undergraduates and homophilyheterophily. Homaphily-heterophily (r = 0.98), information literacy (r = 0.95). There was a significant composite contribution of the independent variables to effective reference services delivery (F(3,1496) = 19.31; R2 = 0.57) Relatively its (β =0.03, t= 4.13) and(β= 0.01, t = 3.20). Interviews revealed Reference services in the university libraries were not effective as most students were not aware of these services in their libraries. Homophily-heterophily and information literacy influenced effective reference services to students in the university libraries in North Central Nigeria.