EVALUATION OF REFERENCE SERVICES IN DANBABA DANFULANI SUNTAI LIBRARY, TARABA STATE UNIVERSITY, JALINGO

Abstract

The paper evaluated the reference services in Danbaba Danfulani Suntai Library, Taraba State University, Jalingo. It adopted a descriptive survey method with a study population of 3,689 undergraduate registered library users of DDS Library. However, 5% of the population was sampled given a sample of 185. These 185 respondents were randomly selected. A researcher-made questionnaire and observation checklist were used for data collection. The researchers personally observed the reference services provided and recorded the observation in the checklist. Furthermore, a total of 185 copies of the questionnaire were distributed but 167 copies were returned and used for data analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean scores and presented using frequency tables. Findings revealed the provision of numerous reference services in the library studied such as assistance from library staff, issuing of reference letters, literature search services, bibliographic search, directional guides, etc. The finding also indicates that majority of the respondents rated the provision of these reference services to a high extent and frequently used, respectively. Consequently, unawareness of reference services provided in the library, insufficient provision of reference services, provision of irrelevant reference services, attitude of librarians, among other things were the challenges affecting reference services in DDS Library. Based on the findings, the study among other things, recommended that libraries should make effort to adopt suitable means of providing reference services as well as have a proper understanding of their user community and the best means of reaching their reference needs, libraries to adequately engage in user education programmes through teaching of “Use of Library” course. With these, the library communicates the existence of resources and services which may not have been known by her external publics