INFLUENCE OF QUALITY AND USE OF SERIAL PUBLICATIONS ON RESEARCH OUTPUT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS OF NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA (NOUN) NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The quality and use of serial publications on research output of post graduate students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria. The study was guided by five objectives and five corresponding research questions. Descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The target population for the study was 7,027 post graduate students in four NOUN study centres in North-central, Nigeria namely: National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Abuja Study Centre, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Kogi, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Jos Study Centre, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Nasarawa Study Centre. The sample size for the study was 370 postgraduate students drawn using krejcie and Morgan because the population was too large. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Stratified sampling technique was used for the study. Out of 370 copies of questionnaire administered, 349 copies were returned and used for the analysis. Descriptive statistical tool involving frequency counts and percentages,  mean  and  standard  deviation  were  used  to  analyse  the  data.  Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to analyze the inferential statistics. The result of the analysis revealed that the serial publications available for research are between 2016 and below. The respondents indicated that post graduate students always use serial publications for research output in study centres studied. Similarly, the study revealed further that the respondents agreed with factors such as outdated serial publications affects their research output lack of subscription to electronic databases and paucity of journals in area of interest among others. In conclusion, serial publications used for research output by postgraduate student in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria under study is moderately achieved. The study recommended that the management of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria should purchase and subscribe serial publications to enable postgraduate students have quality research output, the management in study centres with  libraries  should  also  ensure  that  the  serial  publications  available  should  be adequate, current and relevant, as the use of serial publications by postgraduate students assist in meeting their required research output.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

In Nigeria, the primary role of a university is the transmission of knowledge, inculcating the minds preparing it for intellectual engagement, and basic research that could lead to the advancement of knowledge. It is generally accepted that research as the source of knowledge generation occupies a critical position in promoting the prosperity of a nation and its citizens’ well-being in this knowledge based era. Universities undertake research  for  several  reasons,  for  instance,  the  Association  of  African  Universities (AAU) (2010) stated that without research, universities will lose their capacity to offer first class graduate studies. Research output is a means by which academics contribute new knowledge to the existing body of knowledge. Research improves students’ self- confidence, enhance their status and contribute to their self- actualization. Abubakar (2011) perceived research output as an outcome of a systematic investigation which appears in print and non-print media, usually embodied in research communication such as serial publications, theses and dissertations. Abubakar (2011) stated further a long list of research output to include: reports, book publications, journal publications, articles, section of books, technical reports, transactions, and edited works, patents to mention but a few. In the same vein, Edem (2015) defined research output as the number of book publications, journal publications, articles and other related research works such as bibliographies  and  indexes  which  may be  published  or  unpublished.  From  another perspective, Department of Education of South Africa University as cited by Madye (2017) viewed research output as any research publications accepted by any evaluation body for promotion and other evaluation purposes. The University of Auckland (2019) defined  research  output  as  a  particular  dissemination,  publication,  presentation  or communication or pathway in which research is made available to people other than the author.

Research productivity is a core activity of universities globally, and it is crucial in the scientific process as a pre-cursor for knowledge uptake and use (Cloet, 2015). Consequently, evaluating research outputs would be a proxy for knowledge productivity of post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). With the considerable investment in research throughout the world, it is imperative to assess the research  output  of  post  graduate  students.  The  academic  research  output  of  post- graduate students  can  be considered  a surrogate measure of universities’ ability to prepare the next generation for national development, through academic excellence driven by technological advancement. Imparting research skills is a key aspect of post- graduate training, not only to inculcate scientific inquiry, but also to equip students with the knowledge and skills to critically appraise evidence before applying it  (Cloete, 2015). He stated further that the existing assessment of research output by post-graduate students is predominantly from higher income countries. In Nigeria, it revealed that existing work on students research had covered either the zeal and participation of undergraduates in research or mentorship for doctoral candidates, but not their research output. The link between postgraduate research as a residual of novel knowledge and knowledge translation has hardly been researched on by post-graduate students worldwide. No known research mapping the pathway of post-graduate students had been put into inquiry.

Considering the aforementioned,  research  output  can  be defined  as  all  products  of research by undergraduate and postgraduate students which are reported in form of projects, book publications, journal publications, conference papers and thesis. Research output is very important not only to the postgraduate students but also institutions of higher learning in general. Holden et al. (2015) observed that the peer-reviewed publications   are  the  primary  unit   by  which   academic  faculties   and   education programmes are assessed, while Popoola (2018) opined that research output is one of the major determinants of students’ productivity. It enables students to share insight, demonstrate academic scholarship, gain recognition, and determines growth progress and impact on the society. In view of the foregoing, it is glaring that no post graduate student can effectively come up with good and positive research output without serial publications. Research output is the final stage of research where findings are disseminated to the appropriate audience. Dissemination can take many forms: a paper in a journal, conference paper or presentation, a formal report or a dissertation/thesis for post graduate study.

Postgraduates   are   under   pressure   most   times   to   perform   excellently   through assignments, paper presentations and projects. Serial publications with its ability to meet up with immediate needs may as well be their saving grace, this implies that serial publications are relevant for research. Serial publications according to Association for Library Collections  and  Technical  Services  (ALCTS)  (1957) are print  or non-print publications issued in parts, usually in numbers, issue dates, or both. Serial publications are therefore expected to continue indefinitely. Serial publications include journals, proceedings, magazines, newspapers, annuals (like reports, yearbook, and directories), transactions of society, encyclopaedia and so on. A unique, internationally used identification number is used for serial publications, other standard codes used on serial publications are ISBN (International Standard Book Number), Bar codes, and IAN/EAN (International Article Number also known as European Article Number). Ogunnuga, (2013) viewed serial publications as a publications issued in successive parts normally at  regular  intervals,  and  a  rule  intended  to  be  continued  indefinitely.  It  could  be published weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annually etc. Serials are library in themselves. Moreso, the extent at which serial publications is relevant, familiar and frequent to the students’ in universities is a pre-requisite with a nation of discussing serials activities and operation in relation with researches conducted in learning processes. Serial publication represents a most important reference source not only because of their sizes but also because they represent other numerous values which the monograph medium fails to offer. They also assist researchers to sift  the maze of irrelevant information resources in their search for the relevant ones. However, the importance of serial publications to post graduate students cannot be overemphasised, they are conveyor of current ideas investigated by science community. Hence, serial publications  should  be  adequate  and  current.  Only Postgraduate students  that  have access to adequate serials in print and electronic form will be able to have positive research  output,  where  the  serials  are  adequate,  they  are  often  been  used  by Postgraduate  students.  Also,  on  the  adequacy  of  serial  publications,  Olajide  and Fabunmi (2011) showed that it is the size of a collection, combined with its quality that ensures its adequacy. Thus, adequacy of serial publication has both qualitative and quantitative dimensions.

Serial publications are usually treated separately in libraries than as they are acquired, processed and disseminated separately due to rate of subscription and peculiarity of its nature. Osborn (2008) defined serials as a printed work that appears regularly, founded with the expectation of unlimited duration, which is not predominantly concerned with events of the day or else it pays attention only to the latest development in a special field.

Serial publications which include newspaper, magazines, newsletters, accessions, journals, indexes, abstract, reports proceedings and transactions of societies etc. Out of them all, journals are the most important to researchers because much of articles therein are products of research and it may never appear in any other publications.  Academic and research libraries acquire, organize, store,  retrieve and disseminate information contained in journals for researchers, educators, students and other interested persons in their various disciplines.

Similarly, Chiemeke et al. (2010) opined that there are many sources of information in the library but the most important and the most current sources are serial publications. In similar fashion, the researcher added that serial publications either in print or electronic format remains the most current form of information resources. Serials are often used as a synonym for periodicals and could be published as journals, newspapers, magazines, bulletins etcetera. Findings and studies revealed that much photocopying of important articles and interesting academic topics in serials are often demanded by library users in Nigerian universities.

Serial publications and postgraduate students are two independent entities that complement each other. Serial publications provide current information that fills new information gaps discovered by students and this enable them consult serial publications for current information. The academic library, the Internet and other institutions that provide serial publication come in as intermediaries between the source (serials) and the receiver (postgraduate students). Patrons therefore, consult these intermediaries for the access to serial publications and for postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) library, database and the Internet are major intermediaries. Serial collections therefore either in print or electronic form, is worthy of unwavering attention especially in its adequacy and currency and overall management.

Serial publications have historically and presently focused on the provision of current and up-to-date information in general or specific discipline, this is one of the reasons why according to Woodward (2011) it constitutes a major part of the collection of academic libraries and also accounts for a large sum of the library expenditure, the academic  library  inclusive.  The  academic  library  is  an  integral  part  of  tertiary institutions and accounts for majority of the material holdings of a tertiary institution, serving all and sundry especially staff and students of a tertiary institution. To further underline the importance of the serial publications to a tertiary institution, Kwampong (2010) stated that the academic library is the heart and aorta of any academic institution, the researcher went further to state that the health and effectiveness of any academic institution depends on the state of health of the library in that academic institution. Apart from books, serial publications form a vital part of the academic library’s collection for meeting the immediate needs of patrons in its community especially postgraduate students for the purpose of this study.

Academic libraries must therefore provide relevant titles in all the subjects/courses covered by its parent institution and also, staff and students are expected to make use of the library most especially the serial section of the Library to get current information in their chosen field of study. In the words of Olanlokun and Salisu (1988), journals are accorded prominence in the library because they provide the latest information in a discipline and if people want to be current in their field they have to read relevant journals.

In line with this view, Adubika (2007) described serial publications as any publication bearing either chronological or numerical designations issued in successive parts, appearing at intervals and as a rule, intended to be continued till infinity. The above definitions not only describe serials literature but also underlay the major importance of serials which provide current information and developments in all fields of activity.

This importance is crucial to the relevance of the research library to its immediate community and the general population. Kinds of serials publications include journals, newspapers,  newsletters,  year  book,  encyclopaedia,  conference  proceedings, transactions of societies and other periodicals like abstracts and indexes. These types of serials vary in content and interval of appearance. Daily Newspapers constitute the highest  rate  of  issues  because  of  its  daily  publications,  but  it  doesn’t  provide information on specific fields of study, it takes a little of everything in one issue. Unlike journals, that will not be published daily but focuses on the specifics in a field of study. Serials are usually in print formats but with the advent of information technology, serial publications are now computerized appearing in e-formats. Serial publications are part of Online database and could be in form of Open Access or Closed Access.

This means effectively that the research output of postgraduate students depends to a great extent on the degree of quality of serial publications. Research output are also best published in journals and other components of the serials. Thus, the influence of quality and use of serial publications on the research output of postgraduate students cannot be downplayed. Though many studies have been carried out on serials but only few might have been related to research output of postgraduate students. This study, therefore, is an attempt to investigate the influence of the quality and use of serial publications on research  output  of  Post  graduate  students  in  National  Open  University  of  Nigeria (NOUN) North-central, Nigeria.

In relation with the use of serial publications by students in universities, out of the kinds of serial materials available, Afolabi and Akerele (2011) opined that journal is the most important to the students for researchers because much of articles there in are products of research and it may never appear in any other publications. Academic libraries, therefore, provide the latest serial titles in all the subjects/courses covered by the parent institutions and also, students are expected to make use of the publications in the serials section of the library to get current information in their chosen field of study (Sambo & Akpojotor, 2016).

According to Ogunniyi  et al.  (2011) serial publications form the backbone of any academic library because of their nature of information value it has for students. Academic and research libraries acquire, organise, store, retrieve and disseminate information contained in serial publications for researchers, educators, students and other interested persons in their various disciplines. The availability of efficient information systems, services and proper utilisation of information by government and the people can improve the life and activities of the citizens and also the quality of the country’s development. It also enhances decision-making processes at all levels. For National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to perform its role adequately, resources available especially serial publications must be effectively utilised by meeting information need of the students, academic staffs and faculty members. There is the need to have access to relevant information resources in study centre libraries and virtual libraries, postgraduate students make effective use of them to improve the research effectiveness. Oduwole et al. (2012) confirmed that students, academic staff, administrative personnel and the public made use of available Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria for report writing, lesson preparation, research methodology and class assignments. Library is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, it must not only provide the resources but also ensure effective use of the resources by its clienteles.

The cost of journals subscription on the Internet however, is high and most libraries cannot afford to subscribe for all journals needed, just a few. It is in this regard that open access journals started (Oren, 2008). Open access journals are scholarly journals that are available online to the readers without financial, legal or technical barriers other that those inseparable from gaining access to the internet itself (Oghenetega & Oghenovo, 2012). Open access journals as the name implies are written for impact and free readership not for payment. Open access journals were initiated out of the burning need of authors and writers to share their discoveries with the large population who don’t subscribe to payment journals. Open access journals are freely availability on the public Internet, permitting any users to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of these articles, crawl them for indexing, pass them as data to software, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without financial, legal, or technical barriers other than those inseparable from gaining access to the internet itself”. Poulin and Tomaszewski (2014) believe that a significant proportion of scientific articles are being published in OA journals. In December 2016, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) listed more than 9400 fully open access journals and this increasing trend is expected to continue. The primary advantage of open access journals is that the entire  content  is  available  to  users  everywhere  regardless  of  affiliation  with  a subscribing library. The main motivation for most authors to publish in an open access journals is increased visibility and ultimately a citation advantage (Suber, 2006) Postgraduate students can now with the quality of serial publications gain access and use information necessary for research, school work and academic achievement. There is also ease, convenience, and accessibility when using serial publications for research output.

1.2        Statement of the Research Problem

Research output is a means by which academics contribute new knowledge to the existing body of knowledge. A general opinion that is supported by Ogunniyi et al. (2011) that serial publication is important in any academic institution, if they are expected to have good research output. It is therefore a matter of concern to note that, paltry number of postgraduate students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria consult the serial resources in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre. This could be due to non adequacy of journals, recent and current serial publications.

The advancement of postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) rests on the quality of research output using serial publications. This implies that postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North- central, Nigeria need serial publications whether print or electronic to have a positive research  output.  However,  from  the  preliminary  investigation  by  the  researcher, research  output  of  postgraduate  students  in  National  Open  University  of  Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria seems to be below in expectation. This is because there are no provision for libraries in some of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)   in   North-central,   Nigeria   study   centres   libraries;   the   available   serial publications mostly are online data base, and open access journals which are available on their website and virtual libraries. Some of the libraries are used as stores in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria which in turn does not allow the students have access to printed serial publications.

However, a study by Owolabi (2012) maintained that post graduate students need the serial collections because it provides latest information on various subjects and not only that, serves as immediate avenue for the provision of up to date bibliographic data on a given specialised area of knowledge. In this view, post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in in North-central, Nigeria need to conduct research using serial publication regularly in order to meet the required research output.

However, it has been observed that many studies have been conducted on importance of serial publications but only few might be related to the quality and use to research output of postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in in North-central, Nigeria there is therefore, need, to investigate why some of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in in North-central, Nigeria  study centres don’t have serial publications unit and why serial publications are not adequate for use by post graduate students to assist the students have quality research output.

1.3        Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of quality and use of serial publications on research output of postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to:

1.   ascertain the currency of serial publications available for post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central , Nigeria

2.   determine the adequacy of serial publication available for Postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North central , Nigeria.

3.   ascertain the relevance of serial publications available for post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central , Nigeria.

4.   ascertain the frequency of use of serial publication by post graduate students in National Open University (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria.

5.   identify the challenges affecting the use of serial publications for research output by Postgraduate students in selected NOUN in North-central, Nigeria.

1.4       Research Questions

The following research questions are postulated to guide the study.

1.   How current are serial publications available for research output of post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria?

2.   How adequate are serial publications available for research by post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria?

3.   How relevant are serial publications available for research by post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria?

4.   What is the frequency of use of serial publications by post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria?

5.   What are the challenges affecting use of serial publications for research output by Postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in North-central, Nigeria?

1.5       Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were listed to guide the present study and were tested at 0.05 level of significance

1.   There is no significant relationship between currency of serial publication and research output of postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), North-central, Nigeria.

2.   There is no significant relationship between adequacy of serial publication and research output of postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), North-central, Nigeria.

3.   There is no significant relationship between relevancy of serial publication and research output of postgraduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), North-central, Nigeria.

1.6       Significance of the Study

The findings from this study, influence of the quality and use of serial publications on research output of postgraduate students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) will benefit postgraduate students, the heads of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and librarians. This study will benefit post graduate students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) because serial publications will provide them up to date information than textbooks that they need for their research and also makes research of students frequent and current in the frontiers of knowledge.

The study is expected to encourage Heads of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to improve on serial publication subscription, purchase and management in the study centre library. Building a respectable collection of serials in a university is to satisfy various disciplines in the university since libraries are meant to support learning, teaching and research, the roles of serial publications in achieving these cannot be over emphasized.

Librarians will also find the study useful on the need to create an enabling environment on how to make serial publications especially print available in the libraries of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), thereby making serial publications available to post graduate students.

1.7       Scope of the Study

The content scope of this study will focus on the influence of the quality and use of serial publications on research output of post graduate students in National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) North-central, Nigeria. The study is also centred on adequacy,  currency  and  relevancy  of  research  output  of  post  graduate  students  in relation to the use of serial publications. There are 80 branches of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Nigeria. However, this study will focus on four (4) NOUN centres in North-central, Nigeria namely, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Abuja,  National  Open  University of Nigeria (NOUN)Jos,  Plateau State, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Nassarawa, Nassarawa State, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Lokoja, Kogi State. The aforementioned study centres selected have libraries.

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally in the context of this study.

Adequacy  is  the  quality  of  serial  publications  to  be  sufficient  in  meeting  the information needs of postgraduate students.

Currency refers to serial publications that belong to the present time used in meeting the information needs of postgraduate students in NOUN, North-central, Nigeria.

Influence is the importance or relevance of serial publications in meeting the research output of postgraduate students in NOUN, North-central, Nigeria.

Post graduate students – students who continue or further their studies in a particular field or discipline after having successfully completed their degree program to either pursue masters degree.

Research output is a means by which postgraduate students and academics contribute new knowledge to the already existing body of knowledge.

Relevancy –refers to serial publications that are directly related to information needs of post graduate in NOUN, North-central, Nigeria.

Quality: This is centred on adequacy, currency and relevancy.

Serial Publication is a publication done at interval basis which has no predetermined ending or conclusion.

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