Effects of use of mobile technologies on reference services delivery at the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effects of mobile technologies on provision of reference services at Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. It was guided by four objectives. Descriptive survey was employed in the conduct of this research. The population of the study comprised of 37 library staff (Librarians and Library Officers) of the University. Total enumeration technique was adopted for the study because the population was manageable. A set of questionnaire was used for data collection, which was analysed using the descriptive statistics. Its findings established that the types of mobile technologies available for the provision of reference services in the Library are smart phones, laptops and tablets, USB Drive, Global System for Mobile Technology (GSM) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). Findings revealed that there are many types of reference services offered through mobile technologies in the Library, which include inter-library loan, consultancy, user education, current awareness, selective dissemination of information, referral, reprographic, information, documentation and bibliographic services. However, the challenges associated with these technologies in the provision of reference services include power outage, inadequate knowledge of ICT by library staff, lack of e-resources, as well as the lack of Internet connectivity, training and maintenance culture. The study therefore recommended, amongothers, that alternative source of power should be provided for the library in order to eradicate power outage in use of mobile technology in position of reference services. Also, the library management should prioritise the training of staff member in ICT so as to use technological devices with ease in providing reference services through the mobile technology.