Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2022
Abstract
The study investigates the influence of electronic reference on users’ satisfaction in academic libraries. In order to achieve the set objectives, the researcher adopted survey research design using questionnaire as the instrument for gathering data. The total population for the study was 15,022 from which 150 students were sampled. Based on the findings of the study, electronic reference sources are only available to a low extent, Information Communication Technologies are used to a high extent for rendering reference services, electronic reference has a positive influence on users’ satisfaction and erratic power supply, poor internet connectivity, inadequate facilities and librarians poor attitude among others are the prevalent constrains of electronic reference in academic libraries. It was therefore concluded that the adoption and utilization of electronic reference tremendously increases users’ satisfaction in the library. The study recommended that academic libraries should be encouraged to harness electronic reference in their operations.