a guideline for creating an electronic reference system for cavendish university library

Description

The study aimed at developing a guideline for creating electronic reference services system for Cavendish University Library. The objectives of the study were to; identify the kind of reference system used at Cavendish University library, examine how reference services are offered at Cavendish University Uganda Library, identify challenges in offering reference services at Cavendish University Uganda Library and design guidelines for creating an electronic reference system at Cavendish University. The study used a case study research design while adopting a qualitative research approach in presenting the data. The sample size comprised of 160 students, 2 lecturers and 5 librarians making a total of 167 respondents who were expected to participate in the study at Cavendish University Library. The data collection methods used were; questionnaires, interviews and observation methods. The researcher used questionnaires, interview guides, and the observation guides were used in data collection necessary in developing a guide for creating an electronic reference service system for CUU Library. The study established that there was no e-reference services system for Cavendish University library. The study findings established that the types of reference services offered were; orientation to the library users through tours, referral to information centers that have services, assistance in finding the answer to specific reference services, assistance in developing research strategies for reports, and online search services. The reference services are offered using; library website interface, face book page, face to face interaction, and use of telephones calls. The challenges faced in offering reference services were; fewer computers, unawareness about the existing sources of information, and unreliable electricity. The study concluded that there is need to develop an e-reference service system for CUU Library to improve the services provided. The study recommended that the management of CUU Library should adopt the proposed an e-reference service system for the library. The other recommendations were; establish a written policy, library should engage users through lectures, programs, in-house meetings and training sessions, engage users in focus groups, current and changing trends in reference and information services, identify the strengths and weaknesses, and identify new methods of service.