Reference Sources, Services Provision and use in three Academic Libraries in Sokoto State

Abstract

This study investigates reference sources, services provided and use in three academic libraries in Sokoto State. The study is pivoted upon three (3) objectives to ascertain types of reference-sources and services provided; reasons for using the reference sources and services; and level of users' satisfaction with the reference services provided by academic libraries in Sokoto State. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and mean scores. Findings of 'the study revealed that the common available reference sources in three academic libraries in Sokoto State: were abstracts, almanacs, atlases, biographies, catalogues, dictionaries, encyclopaedias, maps, manuals and yearbooks. The available reference services offered were current awareness services, library instruction and ready reference services. The major reasons for using reference sources by patrons were reading for pleasure 139 (46%) and preparation for examination 138 (45%). It was also found that respondents were not satisfied with interlibrary loan, bibliography compilation and indexing and abstracting services but that they were satisfied with current awareness services, readers’ advisory, library instruction, ready reference service and selective dissemination of information. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the addition of indexes, bibliographies, interlibrary loan, indexing and improvement of abstracting services and virtual reference services would improve services and attract more patrons.