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.