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; 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 means scores. Findings of the study revealed that the common available reference sources in three academic libraries in Sokoto State: were abstract, almanacs, atlases, biographies, catalogues, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, manuals and yearbooks. The available reference services offered were current awareness services, library instruction and ready reference services. The major reason 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 services 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 references services would improve services and attract more patrons.