Digital reference services utilization in University Libraries by postgraduate students as correlates of research productivity

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate digital reference services utilization in university libraries by post graduate students as correlates of their research productivity. The objectives of this study are to examine the utilization of digital reference services by post graduate students for research productivity; the relationship between utilization of digital reference services and research productivity of post graduate students. A mixed design which consisted of correlational and descriptive survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study comprised of seventeen thousand two hundred and seventy-two (17272) posts graduate students. The sample size consisted of three hundred and eight (308) PG students representing (5%). The sampling techniques used for the study was Multi Stage Sampling Techniques. The instrument used for data collection was self-developed questionnaire. 308 copies of questionnaires were distributed, filled and returned. The data collected were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation, Pearson product movement correlation coefficient and regression analysis for hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that digital reference services are utilized on a very high extent and high extent. The study also shows significant relationship between digital reference services and research productivity of post graduate students. It is recommended that the university management, government and other bodies should provide more funds to the university libraries for continuation of provision and utilization of digital reference services for research productivity among post graduate students.