Abstract
This paper appraised the process of electronic reference service delivery (ERSD) in Redeemer’s University, Nigeria (RUN). It highlighted the operations of using modern information and communications technology (ICT) for core Reference Service Delivery such as selective dissemination of information (SDI) and current awareness services (CAS) in RUN. ERSD in RUN are aimed at meeting the growing information needs of faculty members. It has enhanced the reputation of the library as well as increased patronage of library reference services. To elicit information from the faculty, a profile form was designed. The form is a description of the process and procedure of providing current information but personalized to the faculty, and keeps them abreast of the latest development. ERSD offers an important option to users for keeping current with research. Also, there is evidence that SDI can be provided in a variety of ways, both manually and electronically. However, using electronic means has proved to be cost-effective and faster. The library in question has moved from the traditionally approach to online information provision methods. Key words: Electronic reference, selective dissemination of information (SDI), current awareness services (CAS), online reference services (ORS), electronic reference service delivery (ERSD), Redeemer’s University.
Highlights
A survey in America revealed that, by 2010, over 2000 libraries were using chat reference services. It is against this background that this paper appraised the process of electronic reference service delivery in Redeemer‟s University with the aim of highlighting the capabilities and potential of information and communications technology (ICT) has greatly impacted on reference services delivery to make it more effective
While some other specific reference queries take 2 to 3 users per day. Some of this specific reference queries were satisfied with the use of www.referencedesk.org, ask the librarian online, online reference dictionaries and encyclopaedia, Wikipedia, Britannica online, encyclopaedia and so on. This is in consonance with Dun and Morgan (2003) and Massey-Burzio (2002) who noted that the current state of affairs will give libraries an impulse to reach users electronically where they are and provide access to relevant, credible and authentic sources
Evidence from the literature shows that electronic reference service delivery (ERSD) is desirable in libraries, and that the services offer an important option to users to be current with research
Summary
Tekena Tamuno Library, Redeemer's University (RUN), P. This paper appraised the process of electronic reference service delivery (ERSD) in Redeemer’s University, Nigeria (RUN). It highlighted the operations of using modern information and communications technology (ICT) for core Reference Service Delivery such as selective dissemination of information (SDI) and current awareness services (CAS) in RUN. ERSD in RUN are aimed at meeting the growing information needs of faculty members. It has enhanced the reputation of the library as well as increased patronage of library reference services. The form is a description of the process and procedure of providing current information but personalized to the faculty, and keeps them abreast of the latest development.
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