A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL TRENDS AND NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY REFERENCE SERVICES RESEARCH (2020-2024)

Abstract

Reference services in academic libraries are essential for meeting the dynamic information needs of students, faculty, and researchers. These services range from traditional in-person assistance to digital and virtual interactions, supported by personalized guidance and evolving technologies. In recent years, rapid technological advancements, changing user expectations, and global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic have driven significant shifts in service delivery, including the increased use of virtual reference models and artificial intelligence (AI). This bibliometric study investigates global trends and national contributions in academic library reference service research from 2020 to 2024. A total of 427 publications were retrieved using Google Scholar via the Publish or Perish software. Data visualization tools such as VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel were used to identify publication patterns, thematic clusters, and emerging research areas. The analysis reveals a steady increase in research output, peaking in 2024 with 117 publications (27% of the total), reflecting the sector's rapid adaptation to post-pandemic digital needs. India leads in national contributions with 103 publications (24%), followed by the United States (81; 19%) and Nigeria (51; 12%), indicating a blend of established and emerging research hubs. University libraries are the most studied institutions, contributing 269 publications (63%), while scholarly journals dominate as the primary publication source (333 articles; 78%). Thematic analysis highlights four key areas: traditional reference services, virtual/electronic services, AI-driven transformation (including ChatGPT), and broader technology integration. Emerging research hotspots include virtual service delivery models, user satisfaction assessment, institutional technology adoption, and the role of AI chatbots in information services. This study offers a comprehensive overview of current developments and provides a foundation for future research on academic library reference services in a digitally evolving, AI-influenced landscape.