Librarians’ Perceptions toward Virtual Reference Services in Pakistani University Libraries

Abstract

This study determines librarians’ perceptions of Virtual Reference Services (VRS) in university libraries in Pakistan. Based on the census, data was collected from 29 head librarians of Lahore through a questionnaire. The results show that short messaging, instant messaging, and ask a librarian are prominent VRS. Time-saving, 24/7 service, reduced workload, and easy access are significant merits. Increased users’ expectations, staff training, and special skills to answer users’ queries are the key challenges. Librarians with higher qualifications have a positive opinion and fewer challenges to offering VRS. This service is likely to become necessary in academic libraries in Pakistan.

Keywords:

• Digital reference services
• librarians
• online reference services
• Pakistan
• university libraries
• virtual reference services
• web based services

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).