Trends in reference usage statistics in an academic health sciences library.

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Health Sciences Librarianship

Background:

• Reference services in academic health sciences libraries are evolving.
• Understanding trends in user queries is crucial for service adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze traditional reference questions in an academic health sciences library.
• To contextualize these findings within broader shifts in reference services.

Main Methods:

• Collected detailed data on reference question types over two one-month periods (2003-2004).
• Compiled fifteen-year statistics on broad question categories.

Main Results:

• Reference questions peaked in 1997/98 (48,037) and declined to 10,031 by 2004/05.
• Mediated searches decreased significantly (2,157 to 18), while instruction (1,284 to 1,897) and digital reference interactions (0 to 581) increased.
• Top current questions concern journal holdings (19%), book holdings (12%), and directional inquiries (12%).

Conclusions:

• The study offers insights into contemporary academic health sciences library reference services.
• Shifting user needs are altering service delivery, yet traditional reference remains fundamental.