Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 12-13-2021
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Abstract
The study investigated the impact of web search engines for digital reference services in academic libraries in Sokoto. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The study used all the professional librarians on seat of the academic libraries (27) for the study. This is because the population was manageable and as such it does not required sampling and sampling techniques. 27 structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents for data collection and 25 (92%) were returned. The data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the libraries have trained staff to provide DRS. It also revealed that the libraries do not collaborate with other libraries in providing DRS. The study further revealed that the libraries do not have policy or statement for DRS. It is also revealed that the libraries lack digital tools to provide DRS. But the libraries have plan to start DRS though it is not yet started. The libraries also agreed that web search engines can be used to provide reference services. It was also disclosed that the libraries get topical research question most from the users than other questions. The study also found out that SMS is the channel that the libraries used most to provide reference services to its users. Finally, the services mostly offered by the libraries is CAS. The study recommended that libraries need to train more staff on ICT skills and social media skills, libraries should have written DRS policy, should provide DRS working tools, should create social media platforms for DRS and government should provide adequate funds to academic libraries to procure facilities that will run the library services better.