Online Reference Tools through Libraries for Research (original) (raw)
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Reference Sources: The Future and Implication of Reference Services in Academic Library
International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 2018
Academic libraries are facing tremendous changes in providing services due to the competition with digital collection that need to supply and to fulfil the demand from the users. As a librarian in references desk, the real role of the librarian itself might be misinterpreted by users. It is mostly happened in academic library especially small library in private institution. Reference services are heart of the library. It is starting point where the journey begins for the users. It works in both ways, which is functional as information counter and get free reference consultation service. Usually the reference services work in small group of peoples and individual. It usually happens in personal discussion between user and reference librarian. The appointed librarian will guide to the relevant sources with specific information needs for the users. Since, the invention of website is introduced; the information sources become variety in a different form. The question is suggestive to relevancy of reference librarian by providing direct access to information sources, whereas the users can get it by themselves. Meanwhile, on the library management side opinion the reference service department should blend together with the new changes of technology new form of information sources. Current digital library is more emphasize on the users to access of information itself. They more focus of user aspect know-how to retrieve the information, and forget the reference librarian part. Not all the information literacy can be taught and referred in digital way such as video tutorials, online courses, etc. The concept of digital library might be misinterpreted by few people and organization and missed out the role of librarian itself. Which is the librarian is the key of the changes of digital library, especially reference librarian, which is now they start to introduce the virtual reference services (VRS), and we need to comply with the standard of skill set. This paper is a review of several documents and analyse few online article, online journal of the issue in reference services.
The purpose of this study to examine the awareness of reference management software tools among the library science research scholars in India. In university research environment citation and referencing is very important in writing scholarly articles and thesis writing. An attempt has been made to know how extend they are utilizing the reference management software tools for their research work and which software tool is user friendly and how long they are using such software tools. Data were collected using online survey method through direct linkhttps://s.surveyplanet.com/UyIGm7aO.The study reveals that most of the research scholars (81.8%) are aware of the reference management software, highest percentage of the research scholars (54.5%) are attended courses or workshop on reference management software, most of the research scholars (68.68%) are using mendley for their research work, 35% of the research scholars replied that they satisfied in editing and formatting references in the needed citations style, most of the research scholars (61%) are agreed that their libraries are providing reference management software tools in libraries, highest number of research scholar (38.5%) are facing problem with insufficient training.
Reference and Information Services in th
Digital era made an impact over all the library and information activities by using ICT and digital media and different techniques and technologies. The major impact is visualised in library services which are more advanced and qualitative using digital media. In the present era of IT, internet, web technology and digital media applied successfully in libraries, have shifted their way of providing services to users. The main aim in providing assistance to users by providing library services is now shifting from traditional single library to provide access to globally available information is possible. The traditional reference services are now virtual reference services using digital or electronic information resources available either free or fee based. These papers describes some of the emerging digital reference services using e-mail and web forms, text-based chats, and provide value based, user need based and services on demand instantly using different digital resources. The model for digital reference service is also explored at the end.
International Journal of Information Research, 2011
States that reference and information services have always been the main component of library services. Introduces the concept, history, model of Virtual Reference Service (VRS) and its services at main library of KFUPM. Library provides personalized assistance to library users in accessing suitable information resources to meet their needs. Describes the paradigm of reference and information services in the virtual library environment and it also attempts to highlight the emerging formats and models of digital reference services, including email and web forms, ask a services, digital robots, and collaborative digital reference and the current practices of virtual reference services in KFUPM main library. The case study also investigates availability of VRS in the KFUPM main library. Introduction Reference services of the library are being enhanced day by day in terms of speed, costs and the mode of delivery. Virtual service is fast, it is available anywhere, anytime, and to the large number of users. Reference librarians are now using Web 2.0 and web 3.0 technologies to deliver information to the end user in suitable format. While continuing to provide many traditional information services, libraries are developing new skills and taking new challenges which are important to support technology based services. In the libraries and information centers "Reference and information Service" is an important personalized service. Traditionally, it is a one-to-one service with user and reference librarian. The user was served by a variety of sources available to meet the information needs. But in the present era, the library and information profession is facing the challenges of so called 'electronic age' and being transformed by technology. So the advancement in information technology has brought out incredible changes in almost every aspect of information services. It has been observed that many large and modern libraries have a general reference desk, full time reference librarians with subject specialists and off desk responsibilities. Thus, with the advancement of technology the mode of providing reference service in the university libraries is gradually changing. It is now presented to the user in a new and more developed form that is "virtual reference service", which is otherwise known as "Electronic reference services" or "digital reference service". The digital environment has increased the need for human help at the reference
Users’ perceptions regarding digital reference services in PTAR Library, UiTM
Reference service is one of the library’s primary services besides acquisitions, classification, cataloguing and physical planning. Digital reference is a service by which library reference service conducted through online and the reference transaction is a computer-mediated communication. The word "reference" in this context refers to the task of providing assistance to library users in finding information, answering questions, and otherwise fulfilling users’ information needs. In this paper identify the user’s perception regarding Digital Reference Services (DRS) in Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak 1, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam. The purpose of study is to investigate users’ perceptions on digital reference services in PTAR based on their awareness, quality and also identify user understanding and interest in this service. Using a quantitative approach of study, a survey method with the questionnaires has been used to collect data from respondents. The questionnaire has been sent to 120 respondents of PTAR 1 UiTM users and students. The respondents are the active users of the library. The result of this study to improve the digital reference services and create understanding on what are the user’s difficulties in using the services. Keywords: Reference Services, Digital Reference Service, Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Academic Libraries INTRODUCTION Reference service is a way or a path for libraries to meet the needs of the communities they serve. It is a platform for them in fulfilling the user needs. Filling individual information needs requires discovering the real need behind a patron's first question. Patrons may not clearly express real information needs or may be limited by misconceptions about libraries. Reference services can be divided into two ways or two modes, either in person or virtual references (also known as digital reference). In person, it means that user directly interacts face to face with reference librarian, in the other hand, virtual reference service is conducted online. Virtual reference service nowadays becomes a famous way for student in
Nnamdi Azikiwe Library University of Nigeria, Nsukka 1 st International Hybrid Conference , 2024
The influence of information and communication technology (ICT) tools in the provision of digital reference services in university libraries cannot be overemphasized. However, the review of the literature revealed that many university libraries have been using information and communication technology (ICT) to provide digital reference services. The way information services are provided in university libraries has changed significantly as a result of this circumstance. This paper, therefore, discusses the concept and types of digital reference services provided in university libraries. It is obvious that university libraries now provide information services through a variety of technologies, including hardware, software, networks, and media for the gathering, storing, processing, transmitting, and presenting of information in textual, multimedia, audio, and visual formats. The paper also highlighted some media tools in university libraries to provide digital reference services. Consequently, major services such as current awareness services, selective dissemination of information, document delivery services and readers' advisory services provided with the aid of technology were discussed by the paper. Also, a lot of areas of human communication have altered as a result of social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp Twitter, blogs, etc. These changes have also affected communication patterns, information services, and user attitudes in university libraries. This means that the social media tools available enhance the digital reference services provided in university libraries. Finally, to enable the work output in university libraries for efficient digital reference services, a great deal of information and communication technology tools have to be employed.It is therefore advised adequate budget, strategic plan, as well as skilled personnel, should be provided in university libraries for efficient digital reference services.This would ensure that university libraries provide effective digital reference services and stay up to date with the developments brought about by information and communication technology (ICTS) tools.
library Philosophy and practice , 2021
The purpose of this study to examine the awareness of reference management software tools among the library science research scholars in India. In university research environment citation and referencing is very important in writing scholarly articles and thesis writing. An attempt has been made to know how extend they are utilizing the reference management software tools for their research work and which software tool is user friendly and how long they are using such software tools. Data were collected using online survey method through direct linkhttps://s.surveyplanet.com/UyIGm7aO.The study reveals that most of the research scholars (81.8%) are aware of the reference management software, highest percentage of the research scholars (54.5%) are attended courses or workshop on reference management software, most of the research scholars (68.68%) are using mendley for their research work, 35% of the research scholars replied that they satisfied in editing and formatting references in the needed citations style, most of the research scholars (61%) are agreed that their libraries are providing reference management software tools in libraries, highest number of research scholar (38.5%) are facing problem with insufficient training.
Digital reference services: an overview
Information Impact: Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 2017
Technological development in the world has brought many changes to libraries and their service deliveries. Many Libraries are trying to improve on their services by moving from face to face interaction to a digital environment. In this era of information explosion, many people rely on the internet for information and less people approach the Reference desks for assistance, hence the need for Reference librarians to take initiatives on how to bridge the gap. New technologies give reference services the opportunity to conduct reference transactions over the web and answer reference questions simultaneously with the support of the telephone and other tools. It highlights the characteristics of digital reference and the benefits to patrons. The skills needed by Reference Librarians to perform to their best were also discussed. The different stages involved in building and maintaining a good digital reference were also highlighted. The need for specialized training for Librarians and collaborative services were proposed to ensure high quality service. The need to train students and create more awareness for the service is also mentioned.
2018
Aim and background: Advent internet and related technologies have changed the way academic libraries provide reference services. One of the new ways providing services is virtual reference services. This study is conducted with the aim of determining the current status of providing virtual references services in college libraries of five medical science universities of Tehran. Materials and methods: this is an applied research, which was carried out through a survey descriptive. Data was gathered using a researcherdeveloped questionnaire that was answered by 31 library managersof five medical science universities of Tehran. We used SPSS software version 16 to analyze the collected data. Results: the results showed that %90 of the library managers had B.sc degree or higher. 29% of the libraries use email, % 3/2 use chat and %3/2 use short message system (SMS) for providing virtual reference services. None of the libraries use video conference. %40 of ShahidBeheshti University of Medi...