ABSTRACT
This study examined the reference
services provided in the National Library of Nigeria, Abia State Branch,
Umuahia. Four specific objectives which focused on the available reference
material; types of reference services provided; major users of reference
services and challenges encountered in the provision of reference services in
the library were formulated to improve the reference services. Based on the four
research questions drawn from the objectives, a survey instrument titled
'Questionnaire for Reference Services in National Library of Nigeria, Abia
State Branch, Umuahia' (QRSNLNASBU) was used to elicit information from the
respondents. The instrument had two parts "A and B". Part
"A" sought information on the bio-data of respondents, while part
"B" elicited information on the reference materials, reference
services, major users and challenges encountered. Thirteen (13) copies of
questionnaires were distributed using the census sampling technique. All the
completed questionnaires were retrieved representing 100% response rate. The
data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools like mean,
standard deviation, percentages, frequency table and charts. Findings of the
study revealed the major users of the library to be students, teachers,
researchers, politicians, retirees, businessmen and nonliterates. Findings
further revealed high cost of reference materials, adequate work incentive,
insufficient support from parent body, inadequate funding and preponderance of
obsolete reference materials to be the major challenges. Based on the findings,
the study recommended, among others. the provision of up-to-date and current
reference materials and adequate funding by the library management.
CHIDIMMA, C (2023). Reference Services In National Library Of Nigeria, Abia State Branch, Umuahia. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Dec 23, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/reference-services-in-national-library-of-nigeria-abia-state-branch-umuahia-7-2
CELESTINA, CHIDIMMA. "Reference Services In National Library Of Nigeria, Abia State Branch, Umuahia" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 17 Jul. 2023, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/reference-services-in-national-library-of-nigeria-abia-state-branch-umuahia-7-2. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
CELESTINA, CHIDIMMA. "Reference Services In National Library Of Nigeria, Abia State Branch, Umuahia". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 17 Jul. 2023. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/reference-services-in-national-library-of-nigeria-abia-state-branch-umuahia-7-2 >.
CELESTINA, CHIDIMMA. "Reference Services In National Library Of Nigeria, Abia State Branch, Umuahia" Mouau.afribary.org (2023). Accessed 23 Dec. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/reference-services-in-national-library-of-nigeria-abia-state-branch-umuahia-7-2