Effect of the internet on reference services in Malaysian academic libraries

Abstract

The integration in internet has affected all functions of the library, particularly the reference services. In the reference department, this integration has led to the utilization of new tools and methods for providing information to library users. It is a new trend that most of the libraries are following today. This study investigated the effect of the internet on reference services in Malaysian academic libraries. The objective of the study was to find out how the integration of internet into the library has affected reference professionals and services. The study also investigated the perception of respondents of the importance of internet in the reference work. The study used a questionnaire-based survey method for data collection. The instrument was pilot tested to ensure its realibility and effectiveness. Reference librarian of 9 Malaysian academic libraries participated in this study. Seventy questionnaires were distributed and 40 filled-in questionnaires were received back. The study found that the internet has positively contributed to reference services. A majority of the respondents affirmed the importance of the internet in today `s reference work. They believed that the internet has enabled them to work more effectively and efficiently. However, the study found that the internet as well as traditional reference souces were used by the respondents for answering reference queries. A majority of them disagreed that the internet should replace traditional reference tools. It was also found that 95% of the respondents felt that reference librarians should posses good internet use skills for providing effective reference services.