REPOSITIONING NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES' REFERENCE DESK FOR EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICE PROVISION
REPOSITIONING NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES' REFERENCE DESK FOR EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICE PROVISION
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Date
2007
Authors
Ibrahim, Umar
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Abstract
Purpose: The paper examined the conditions of reference and information service
provision in Nigerian University Libraries and proposed a reference model suitable
for the new information society.
Design/IMethodology/Approach: Descriptive survey was applied to find out the
present conditions of reference and information service provision. A reference model
was also conceptualized to transform the present reference desk through redesigned,
refocused, reshaped, redrawn and redefined reference staff work process in order to
satisfy the current information needs of library users.
Findings: Personnel, time, clientele and reference desk were found to be the factors
influencing the types and levels of reference services in Nigerian University
libraries. It was also found that the condition of reference service is very deplorable,
especially the location and management of the reference desk. To ameliorate this
problem, a reference desk model was proposed in order to ensure effective and
efficient reference service. The reference desk model was built based on the four
traditional groups of questions usually asked in reference service desk which are
Directional, Ready reference, General questions/inquires on specific topics and
Research. The model comprises Reference desk DI -DIV. Reference desk I (DI)
should be strategically located for easy identification by the users. Its staff should
have knowledge of general library operations and can be paraprofessional and
students on practical. The staff should be familiar with various reference materials
such as general and subject Encyclopedia, Dictionaries, Directories, and public
catalogue etc. The reference questions asked are mostly directional and ready
reference and information queries. Reference desk 2 (DII) requires some technical
expertise, well-trained paraprofessionals with at least 5 years working experience in
the reference department, able to provide answers to information on specific topics,
conduct interview with the users in order to help answer their questions and be able
to make use of indexes, Abstracts, Bibliographies and how to use them with the
primary sources. Reference desk 3 (DIII) requires a professional librarian who can
answer inquiries on information on Research and Research Consultation. He also
supervises the services done in DII. Reference desk 4 (DIV) is otherwise called the
master desk or the engine of the reference division. It has professionals and
paraprofessionals as staff. Technical works are performed by paraprofessionals,
while professional staff carry out supervision and consultancy services. The
reference librarian is found in this desk.
Practical Implication: The provision of virile and efficient reference services that
can move along with the current information dissemination trend of the Information
society. Originality: The proposed reference desk model will no doubt be of immense
importance to all that work and will work in the reference division - Reference
librarian, Professional Librarians, paraprofessionals and others. It can serve as a
guide to their job description.
Keywords: University Libraries, Reference services, Information service provision,
reference desks, reference desk model, information society.
Description
Post-print Journal Article
Keywords
NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES,, REFERENCE DESK,, EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT REFERENCE,, INFORMATION SERVICE PROVISION,