Academic literature on the topic 'Internet in library reference services'

Library services in this case the library services include circulation services, reference services, journal / magazine services, multimedia services, internet services and computer stations. These services must follow technological developments in providing information in accordance with the needs of users. IT in libraries is often a benchmark of progress and modernization of a library. The goal of information technology in improving service quality is easy, fast and accurate access through telecommunications networks (LAN, WAN , and internet). This article tries to explain what and how the implementation of information technology to improve the quality of library services. The conclusion is the implementation of information technology in improving the quality of library services is the application of technology used in conveying and processing information to improve quality or standards that must be achieved in the main activities in each library. services such as application to circulation services, reference services, periodical journal or magazine services, multimedia or audio-visual services, internet and computer station services, security services and procurement services.

The Internet affords the librarian many opportunities to enhance reference services. Online reference tools such as library catalogs, specialized indexes, directories, dictionaries, etc. provide access to bibliographic information, organizational information, and information about the net itself. In addition to the information resources available on the net, its communications power facilitates exchange of information and efficient use of expertise. Although finding specific information on the net can sometimes be a problem, due to the quantity of data and the net’s rapid expansion, search tools are being developed to mine the riches of the Internet. (This article is based on a paper presented at the 22nd annual ARLIS/NA Conference at Providence, Rhode Island, 15th February 1994).

The study investigated the use of Internet by staff for library service delivery at Benue State University, Makurdi. Three specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study was the entire 153 library staff in Benue State University Library. Since the population was relatively small and manageable by the researcher, no sampling was employed for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structure questionnaire Data was collected and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that the internet services are utilized in areas such as acquisition services, cataloguing and classification services, awareness services, reference services, selective dissemination of information services, inter-library loan services, documentary services, circulation services, bibliographic services and resource sharing. The findings also revealed that, the internet services were utilized to a high extent for library services delivery. Challenges found to hinder the utilization of the internet services include: lack of maintenance culture, erratic power supply, high cost of connectivity, high cost of maintenance, technology obsolescence, low level of computer literacy required for effective use, poor funding for internet services, low bandwidth, copyright and access restrictions and inadequate hardware support. The study concluded that, Internet services are to a high extent utilized for effective library services delivery in Benue State Library. The following recommendations were made that, library administrators should ensure professional development programmes are provided for library staff that can inculcate computer literacy required for delivery of library services and Government should provide funds to the management of academic libraries to acquire internet services necessary for enhancing the effective delivery of library services.