Assessment of Reference Services Utilisation Among Undergraduate Students in University of Benin Library

This study assessed the utilisation of reference services among undergraduate students at the University of Benin Library in Edo State, South South Nigeria. Reference services constitute one of the most direct forms of user engagement in academic libraries, yet evidence suggests that many students remain unaware of or underutilise these services. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 320 undergraduate students drawn from four faculties. Data were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of reference services but relied predominantly on personal internet searches rather than consulting reference librarians. Key barriers identified included inadequate orientation, limited awareness of service scope, and perceived unapproachability of library staff. The study recommended that the library management intensify user education programmes, organise regular orientation sessions specifically targeting new students, and improve the visibility of reference staff through strategic positioning within the library building. The study contributes to growing literature on user behaviour in Nigerian academic libraries and provides practical recommendations for service improvement. Keywords: reference services, utilisation, undergraduate students, academic library, University of Benin.