Librarian's E-Readiness and Use of Virtual Reference Tools for Reference Service Delivery in Selected University Libraries in Nigeria

AbstractPurpose: This study assessed the E-Readiness of Librarians and virtual reference tools in enhancing reference service delivery at selected University Libraries in Nigeria. Two research questions and objectives guided it.Methodology: The correlational survey research design was employed, with a questionnaire serving as the data collection instrument. A total of eighty-five (85) librarians participated in the study. Data were collected and analysed using frequency counts, mean, and Pearson product-moment correlation. The results indicated an average utilisation of smart device platforms among librarians in federal university libraries in South-South, Nigeria.Findings: The findings also revealed a weighted mean of 2.77, which exceeds the threshold of 2.5. This suggests that the use of electronic conference applications among librarians in federal university libraries in the South-South is significant.Conclusion: The study concludes that these virtual tools have a substantial and positive impact on reference service delivery in Nigerian university libraries. It further recommends that librarians urgently learn to utilise email services and other virtual reference options for faster reference service to patrons.