Reference Services in Academic Libraries

University libraries assist the university in the discharge of their functions by acquiring all relevant information resources necessary for sustaining teaching, learning and research in the institutions. This book presents detailed, yet simple essential ingredients for reference services to meet users' information needs. It is principally written for all library users. The reference library is an integral section of most academic libraries, whose objective is not merely for the provision of information resources but to help library users find the information they desire with ease. This book is made up of five chapters. Chapter one deals with the concepts, evolution and types of reference and information services. Chapter two highlights reference queries and theories. In chapter three, readers are introduced to reference structure, resources and staffing. Sub topics in this chapter include; types, loan and evaluation of reference resources. In chapter four, reference transaction is discussed extensively. While in chapter five Digital Reference Services (DRS), which implores the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), are discussed in detail.