ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effectiveness of the use of JCT applications to reference services in Abia State University Library with special attention on level of effectiveness of JCT applications to reference services, JCT resources that make reference service effective, challenges hindering the effectiveness of JCT applications to reference services and strategies for improving the effectiveness of JCT applications to reference services. Survey research design was adopted for the study. A population of 36 was used for the study. Complete census sampling technique was used for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The research instrument was validated by the project supervisor which was administered to the respondents in the research field. The data required for the study was solely collected by the researcher. Four (4) research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. The findings of study revealed that JCT application to reference services is most digitization of reference services in Abia State University Library. The role of internet resources and computers in the effectiveness of reference services is farthest. Inadequate funding, poor internet connectivity, inadequate training of staff in the use of JCT, poor management support, poor maintenance culture and high cost JCT tools are the paramount factors constraining the effectiveness of JCT application to reference services. The primary strategies for improving the effectiveness of JCT applications in reference services include training of staff in the use of ICTs, internally generated revenue, imbibing in adequate maintenance culture, the library should subscribe to other internet protocols that are more vibrant, and adequate management support. Based on the findings, recommendations were made which include that parent institution should allocate more funds to the library which will assist the library in procuring JCT resources and in performing other fiscal obligations regarding references services: the library should strategize other means of raising funds such as reprographic and bindery service so as to boost their internally generated revenues. This help in the acquisition of JCT resources and funds should be provided by the parent institution for the training of staff in the use of ICTs.

TABLES OF CONTENTS

Title Page , i

Certificat1on , 11

Approval Page , iii

Dedicat1on 1v

Acknowledgements v

Tables of Contents vii

List of Tables xi

Abstract xii

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study 1

1.1.1 The Abia state university Library,uturu,Nigeria:

A Brief Description , .4

1.2 Statement of the Problem ; .. ·.5

1.3 Scope of the Study 6

1.4 Purpose of the Study 7

1.5 Research Questions 8

1.6 Significance of the Study 9

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Conceptual Framework 10

2.1.1 ConceptofICT 10

2.1.2 Automation of Reference Services 13

2.1.3 Reference Services 14

2.1 .4Impact of ICT Application to Reference Services 17

2.1.5Challenges facing the use of ICT in Reference Services 21

2. l .6solutions to the challenges facing the use of ICT in Reference

Services 22

2.2 Empirical studies · 23

2.3 Summary of literature review 29

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3 .1 Research Design 3 0

3.2 Area of the Study 31

3.3 Population of the Study 31

3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques 31

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection 32

3.6 Validation of the Instrument. 32

3.7 Method of Data Collection 33

3.8 Methods of Data Analysis 33

CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

4.1 Data analysis 36

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Discussion of the Findings 42

5.2 Conclusion 45

5.3 Education Implication of the Findings .47

5.4 Limitations of the Study .48

5.5 Recommendations 49

5.6 Suggestions for Further Studies 50

5.7 Summary of the Study50

References 53

Appendix 1 59

Appendix 11 60