Ghaleeb. Scribd 2
Ghaleeb. Scribd 2
Ghaleeb. Scribd 2
ACADEMIC LIBRARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
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2.5 Problem facing reference section
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References Appendix I
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Reference service is one of the essential services of the library. Meaning reference
service is the activities, roles, functions and services rendered by the reference
librarian constitute reference service. According to Prytherch, (2002) He states
that: “reference service deal with the provision of reference work by library staff”.
James (2005) states that reference work started in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries to respond to several forces and trends. In the next several decades from
the 1930s through the 1950s, a new technology that provides, access to the library
to a lager member and much wider variety of people was introduce. That
technology is obviously, the telephone and the reference literature of the day
speaks of its advantages but also its challenges. For example, having distinguished
between “important questions coming in via the telephone those business men and
involving important topics from less important” ones from club woman planning
programs, context questions like should this service be centralized or dispersed
Should it be staffed differently from the desk? What information resources should
be dedicated to it.
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According to (ALA RUSA, 2008) reference service includes reference transactions
and other activities that involve the creation, management, and assessment of
information or research resources, tools and services. Creation and management of
information resources includes the development and maintenance of research
collections, research guide, catalogues, database, web-sites, search engines etc that
patrons can use independently, in-house or remotely to satisfy their information
needs. Assessment activities include the measurement and evaluation of reference
work, resources and services.
According to Biota, (2004) states that reference sources are publications – book
and non-book materials consulted only within the library for specific facts or
definite piece of information on a subject. There are two types of reference
sources, general reference sources which include Encyclopedia, Directories,
Dictionaries, Yearbooks and Handbook while special or subject reference sources
are Mathematics, Biology, and Library Science.
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Ahi Rusa, (2003) states that a reference librarian is person that provides reference
service. He should posses a wide range of intellectual interest; desire to assist the
patrons, flair for organizing documents ability to search literature and adequate
knowledge of the library and external resources.
Aina (2004) stressed that; reference unit is the only unit in the library that
establishes direct personal contact between the resources and user in search of
answer to immediate questions.
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discharging the function of converting the potential user to habitual user.
Emphases is placed much on establishing personal contact with individual users as
the best way of enabling them have access to the documents to meet their
information needs. He also suggested that, for reference service to be up and doing,
libraries have to play a key role in providing information services in anticipation of
user needs. Such services include various forms of current awareness and selective
dissemination of information services aimed at keeping the users abreast of the
latest developments in their areas of interest.
The aim of this study is to critically analyze the problems and prospect towards the
services in the reference section and equally to view the problems that have
prevented it from executing effectively and efficiently the bibliographical functions
in the library.
The purpose of this study is to know the problems and prospect of reference
services. Therefore the researcher will be able to find out the following purposes
For the success of this study, this study demands an answer to the following
questions:
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with review of related literature from other scholars and it will
be discussed the studies related to the problems and prospect of reference service
in academic library in Nigeria.
Lots have been said by various researchers like Martins (2009) and
Mohamed (2012) on references services and utilization of resources in Academic
Libraries and most of which gave declining statements on the users of reference
services. The extent of utilization of library and its resources depends on the
relevance, comprehensiveness and, scope of the library collection. Martins, (2009)
in his argument toward improvement on the utilization of reference services noted
that, there should be provision of computer and internet services and, a periodic
formal interaction with the users.
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librarian should consider teachers’ recommended titles for those needed by
students for special objectives and reference purpose. Poor quality of resources
have negative effects on reference service to users and most Academic libraries
within this region have limited access to modern Information and Communication
Technology Facilities and this makes it difficult for teachers and students to keep
abreast with current developments in their academic lines. The existing interest of
the reference librarians is important in relation to the quality of service their
libraries render to the users. Personal attention is at the very heart of the reference
desk, and the goal of the information literacy is to create confidence in information
consumers (Unomah, 2006). It is equally important to adequately stock library with
relevant resources and all possible means through which access to library resources
will be guaranteed. Technological developments have affected not only the formats
and sources of the information, but has also affected how and where to provide
library services. Libraries and their resources have partially moved to the virtual
world of the Internet. As a result, library users can access the resources from
outside the physical library, (Mohamed, 2012).
It is obvious that, there is the need to induce high staff morale, reasonable
workplace and, user friendly environment as a matter of urgency to enhance
quality reference services without which there will be no proper utilization of the
library resources. This is because; decrease in utilization of reference resources
was as a result of non-availability of the required books, library catalogue and, out-
dated materials. Amen (2007) assert that, library patrons often have needs that
books will not meet noting that information and referral services help people
obtain relevant and accurate information to meet specific needs. Libraries should
provide user education as this will equip users with enough knowledge in the use
of library resources effectively and efficiently (Aina, 2004). Odeinde, (2007)
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equally noted that, selective dissemination of information services motivate
researchers’ minds and knowledge skills toward providing quality and current
awareness literature.
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2.2.1 THERE ARE THREE MAIN TYPES OF REFERENCE ASSISTANCE:
Assistance or instruction with using the library, including locating materials, using
the catalog, using computers to access information, and using basic reference
sources.
Reference sources are designed to be consulted rather than read through. Reference
materials can be arranged alphabetically, topically, or chronologically. Many will
contain cross listed information and more than one index. If it is not obvious how a
reference source is organized, take a moment to look through the explanatory or
how-to-use information, which is usually presented at the beginning of the book, or
in help screens for online products.
There are thousands of reference sources available that cover practically every
subject. Although the term reference "book" is frequently used, reference sources
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can be books, serials, on-line databases or information found on the Internet. A
large part of using reference sources well is choosing the right one for your needs.
Despite the wide variety available, reference sources can be categorized into a
handful of groups. Think about the kind of information you need and how you will
use it. If you are unsure which reference tool is best suited to your information
need, a reference librarian will be able to assist you.
The IFLA guidelines (2008) stipulate that the key skills a reference librarian
should have include: multi-tasking; clear communication skills, especially writing
skills; database and online searching skills; interviewing skills (to compensate for
lack of visual and auditory cues); and knowledge of reference resources.
The IFLA guidelines agree with the findings of a study by Luo (2008b), which
identified the following reference service (chat reference) competencies
Strong (2006) suggests that librarians working with reference services should have
competencies such as being proactive, knowledgeable, well trained in active
listening, able to respond to all enquiries and be neutral in their opinions about the
information provided. While Francoer (2001) suggests that librarians working with
reference services should have good searching skills, the ability to write concise
messages and the ability to deal with stressed and demanding users. This is
commendable as many librarians working with reference services are used to face-
to-face and traditional reference services. They require new skills to be able to
thrive in a environment.
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Rodwell (2001) notes that, with changes in the reference services and environment,
librarians are required to advance technological skills that are required by current
practices.
Rodwell further states that sound and up-to-date subject expertise, in the broad
sense, allows the librarian to be a ‘dynamo’ in the information gathering process.
Rodwell (2001) concludes that subject expertise required for a good service needs
to be analysed. Such expertise goes beyond mere broad- or narrow-subject
knowledge. It involves an understanding of the dynamics of production and
dissemination of information in a particular field and how it is received and
accessed by clients.
Staffing for reference services should be considered right from when a library
starts planning for such services (Francoeur, 2001). This is crucial to the library
because the introduction of new services such as reference services requires
additional staff. New staff members could be employed for the reference services
or existing library staff members could be asked to take on the additional
responsibility.
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The librarians who work with reference services need to be selected based on the
following criteria: librarians’ interest to work with reference services; their
availability; their enthusiasm towards reference services; good customer service
skills; comfort with technology and electronic resources (Luo, 2007).
Nicholas (2011) noted that finding staff for reference services is a challenge. Many
librarians already working in libraries resist working with reference services as it
adds to their responsibilities. Moyo (2006) states that synchronous reference
services are labour-intensive, as helping a library user requires a lot of time.
Sometimes a librarian is required to do a search for the user or to compile a
number of documents, then send them to the user. As a result, many libraries opt to
hire more library staff or to form collaborations with other libraries and share these
services.
There are almost as many definitions of management as there are books on the
subject. However, there are some factors, which are common to all these
definitions. For example, the definitions are unanimous about the objectives and
functions of management. Wickremasinghe (2003: Online) defines management
as:
McNamara (2000: Online) gives a similar definition and describes management as:
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Management is the function of executive leadership. Managerial functions involve
the work of planning, organizing and controlling the activities of others in
accomplishing the organization’s objectives.
Lussier (2003:11) states that a library manager plans, organizes, leads, and controls
resources to achieve a library’s objectives. He goes on to say, “The four functions
of management are a system process; and they are interrelated and are often
performed simultaneously”.
Identified Functions: The common factor distilled from these definitions is that
management tends to be based on four broad functions namely:
1. Planning
2. Organizing,
3. Leading and
4. Controlling.
2.4.1 PLANNING
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According to Hellriegel (1996:142) a vision expresses an organization’s
aspirations and values, usually by appealing to its members’ hearts and minds. A
mission is the purpose of the organization. It is the reason why the organization
exists. Thus, planning begins with clearly defining the vision and mission of the
organization. It directs the organization, as well as all of its major functions and
operations, to its best opportunities.
All university libraries have a plan for change in order to reach its ultimate goal.
Planning helps an organization adapt to change by identifying opportunities and
avoiding problems. It sets the direction for the other functions of management.
Planning improves decision-making. All levels of management engage in planning.
The planning process consists of a logical and orderly series of steps.
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to influence the future. Odini defines planning as a process of deciding in advance
‘what’ has to be done, ‘who’ has to do it, ‘when’ it has to be done, and ‘how’ it has
to be done. It bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to go
(Odini,1989:42).
Academic library planning is therefore an attempt to look into the future and the
changes, which inevitably come with it. It involves: selection of goals, objectives,
and purposes; the establishment or modification of policies; the preparation of
procedures, standards, schedules, regulations and budgets; and the development of
academic library service programmes (Fakudze,1996:15). Even until the present
time, academic library planning is an attempt to look into the future; it inevitably
involves choosing from among possible alternative resources and courses of action.
Planning is a decision-making process that requires the availability of proper
information at any point in time. This is important if the right decisions are to be
made.
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university libraries, the government gives a block allocation to the university. Then
the university authorities in turn allocate money to the library.
2.4.2 ORGANIZING
Stueart & Eastlick (1981:81) add that any activities that do not make any
contribution to the achievement of the institution’s objectives are irrelevant to the
organization. According to Koontz & O’Donnell in Stueart & Eastlick (1981:81)
that organizing is:
A process by which the library manager brings order out of chaos, removes
conflicts between people over work or responsibility, and establishes an
environment suitable for teamwork. Implicit also is the recognition of the human
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factor that jobs must be structured for people, with all their strengths and
weaknesses and that people must be motivated.
The following are some of the principles of organization, which will be discussed
in the research.
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During the 1970s the British government reorganized the running and structure of
libraries in a very big way (Fakudze,1996:23). This reorganization traumatized
many librarians and other library staff who had to adjust to the organizational
changes. Today it is important for academic librarians to manage change.
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management in general. The result of the research shows that strategy works out on
the basis of tentative and broad commitments.
2.4.3 Leading
A university librarian is one who manages and provides leadership in pursuit of the
library’s aims and objectives. Librarians operate within a hierarchy, where there is
a librarian, deputy librarian, faculty librarian, departmental librarian, assistant
librarian, and junior librarian. The librarian is the top manager who supervises the
juniors below him or her. Leadership style refers to the manner and approach of
providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people.
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organization. Research on leading in libraries covers leadership, teamwork,
communication, motivation and job satisfaction.
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