Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Reference services are crucial components of academic libraries as they provide support to users in their information needs. This research project aims to evaluate the reference services in Nigerian academic libraries to assess their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and observations to gather data from librarians, library users, and library managers. The research will focus on aspects such as the availability of reference materials, the competence of reference librarians, the adequacy of reference tools and technologies, and the overall satisfaction of users with the reference services. Through the data collection process, the research will seek to understand the current state of reference services in Nigerian academic libraries, including strengths and weaknesses. The findings will be analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and common issues faced by libraries in providing reference services. Recommendations will be made based on the evaluation results to improve the quality and effectiveness of reference services in Nigerian academic libraries. This research project is significant as it will contribute to the body of knowledge on library services in Nigeria and provide insights into the challenges faced by academic libraries in meeting the information needs of their users. By evaluating the reference services, this study aims to enhance the quality of library services, ultimately benefiting students, faculty, and researchers who rely on academic libraries for their information needs. The results of the evaluation will be valuable for library managers and policymakers in guiding decision-making and resource allocation to improve reference services in Nigerian academic libraries. Overall, this research project on the evaluation of reference services in Nigerian academic libraries is essential for understanding the current state of reference services, identifying areas for improvement, and enhancing the overall quality of library services. By assessing the effectiveness of reference services, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of library services in Nigeria and support the information needs of library users in academic settings.

Thesis Overview