Abstract:
The purpose of this work was to study utilization of serials publications by post graduate students for research in two federal university libraries in South East Nigeria. The researcher selected university of Nigeria Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. The purpose of the study were to find out serials materials available, students objectives for using them, their extent of utilizing serials, the problems encountered and to proffer strategies for improvement. The population of the study was made up of eight thousands, five hundred and twenty (8520) post graduate students from the two universities for 2009\ 2010 academic year. The sample size was made up of eight hundred and sixty eight (868) from the two universities. Descriptive survey interview and observation check list were used to collect data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using frequency table and mean scores. From conclusion we are made to know that post graduate students realized the importance of serials publications in research work. In spite of the fact that these students realized the importance of serials publications in research work, these students are not satisfied with available serials publications in libraries. Some of the recommendations made were provision of access tools like indexes, abstracts, bibliographies, and the use of ICT to facilitate and to enhance the accessibility of serials. User education programmes to be used for the impartation of skills essential for effective utilization of serials. The use of SDI services to encourage the use of serials among researchers.
