Practices and Challenges of Reference Services in Medical Libraries of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to investigate the use of Reference Sources in the Medical College Libraries of Punjab. The study was quantitative in nature. In this research, the users of libraries participated of different demographics such as; MBBS Students, M. PhilStudents, FCPS Students, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors from medical libraries of Punjab, Pakistan as population. A questionnaire was prepared including 35 items and collected data from almost 361 respondents as a sample through simple random sampling bysurvey method. The data was analyzed with the help of the SPSS software.The study found that majority of the users of medical college libraries were moderately aware and getting most of the libraries' reference services and sources. The study further indicates that the majority of respondents used library reference sources for different purposes for learning, education and updating their knowledge. The study also highlights that majority of participants were partially satisfied with available library reference resources.