Use of Periodicals among Libraryand Information SciencePostgraduate Students in UniversityLibraries in Nigeria

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This paper investigated the use of periodicals among Library
and Information Science (LIS) postgraduate students in university libraries in
Nigeria. The objectives were to explore the activities performed (use of
periodicals) by postgraduate students in university libraries, ascertain the purposes
of using periodicals, and determine the frequency at which postgraduate students
use periodicals.
Methodology – The data for the study was gathered through a two-page
questionnaire administered to 404 respondents who were accessible in the library
and LIS departments. Three hundred eighty-eight (388) questionnaires were
retrieved, representing a 96% return rate. The data were analysed statistically.
Findings – The survey results showed that searching for particular information,
downloading from open-access databases, locating multiple sources from
periodicals, and reading in the library are the activities performed by postgraduate
students while using periodicals.
Implications – The findings of this study may be used by the university
management and librarians to develop policies that will improve the subscription
of searchable databases that encourage the usage of periodicals and other
information resources among students within and outside the university libraries.
Originality – Though other studies have dealt with library usage, little, or no study,
has been conducted on the activities (interaction) performed by users. This paper
is the outcome of original research that has not been submitted elsewhere for
publication.