Citation Analysis of Library and Information Science Masters Theses: A Tool for Collection Development in University Libraries

Abstract

This study analyzes the citations of Masters Theses in Library and Information Science of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria submitted from 2011 to 2018 with a view to determining the format and age of materials used and most frequently cited journals. The document checklists were used for data collections and the citations were extracted from the title pages and reference lists of each of the theses. Data obtained from 48 Masters Theses were examined. The study found that 47.22% of cited items were monographs followed by journals - 31.21%, 8.5% were reports, 4.05% were web resources and 3.65% were conference proceedings. This is contrary with other citation analysis, which found that journals are the most frequently used format. The study also revealed that 21 journal titles were the most frequently cited journals by Library and information Science postgraduate students. The study discovered that the average age of materials used were 10- 20 years and that Library Philosophy Practice (e-journal) was the most cited journal title. The findings did show that citation analysis of theses is veritable tool for collections development. The implication of this study is that it could serve as a collection development tool that can be used as a model for the library to identify the primary sources for acquisitions and also as a guide for collection maintenance. It is based on this that it was recommended that university libraries should as a matter of professional responsibility ensure yearly analysis of theses as part of their documentation policies.