Al-Hikmah University Journal

The study investigates undergraduate students' perspectives on chatbot optimisation for reference services at higher education institutions in Nigeria. The study's five (5) research objectives served as guidance. Using a descriptive survey research approach, the study used descriptive statistics to analyse the data it gathered. Students who signed up for the library users' programmes at federal universities in Southern Nigeria's university libraries participated in the study. By doing this, 206 undergraduate students who had utilised ChatGPT were found through the university under investigation's library users' education programme. Respondents were contacted to make use of their connections through the specific reference librarians at these establishments. An internet-based survey was used for data gathering. The results showed that ChatGPT is becoming more and more popular worldwide and that understudied pupils are using it more and more. The study's limitations are revealed, but the results show that ChatGPT has certain potential benefits, such as extensive knowledge and time-saving capabilities. Constraints to ChatGPT use include concerns about information currency, information dependability, and incapacity to understand emotions. The study suggests that to increase librarians' availability to students, library administration should implement technology solutions. A chatbot interface should be built into library websites, and techniques like instant messaging, round-the-clock phone help, and participation on popular social media platforms can be used to make it easier for students to get reference consults. The policy and practice of librarianship are affected by this study.