ACCESS TO AND USAGE OF PRINT SERIAL PUBLICATIONS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA (UNZA) LIBRARY
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Date
2014-05-21
Authors
Miyanda Eness M. Chitumbo, Chipasha Florence Mulundika
Tembo Sarah Gwai, Banda Jason
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Abstract
Abstract
This study set out to investigate factors that lead to less usage of serial resources in the University of Zambia Library. It embraced both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from the field. A total sample size of 170 respondents was used to provide information. Collected data from questionnaires was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while data from interviews was done manually through content analysis
The research revealed that the levels of serials usage are low due to lack of knowledge of serials collection and its services by users, inadequate search skills, insufficient orientation at both 1st year level and later on, unavailability of some information needed by some users, outdated resources, serials collection being a closed access area, etc.
In order to improve serial usage the study further revealed that serials collection need to be properly organized according to subjects; employ proactive, qualified and friendly staff to adequately assist, guide and teach users on how to access, retrieve and use journals and other periodicals in the collection; sensitize library users on the importance of journal use and communicate to them about new materials; serials collection should be open-access area; and provide current journals in all subject areas offered at the University.
Description
Research carried out by Serials department in the Main Library
Keywords
Serials , Information , Usage , Resources , University of Zambia Library , Students , Zambia