Analysis of Journal Citations in Thesis/Dissertations of Post Graduates of the Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria and Their Availability in the University Library: A Re-Visitation

Abstract

A citation analysis of theses/dissertations from Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Calabar – Nigeria from 2006 – 2010 was undertaken to determine the most cited journals by graduate students and their availability in the University library. There were 343 journal citations and a cumulative citation frequency of 602. A list of 22 journals cited five times and over was drawn. Out of this 9 (40.9%) journal titles are held by the university library. From the list 5 most cited journals were drawn as the core journals to serve the graduate students research needs. The university library has three (60%) out of these five, which are fairly current but with irregular subscription. Electronic (internet) citations has increased from one in the previous study to 104 presently. Library administrators will value the findings of this study as they are relevant for collection development decision making.

KEY WORDS: Citation Analysis, Journals Collection Development, Political Science, Postgraduate Students, University Library.