Awareness and Use of Serial Publications by Undergraduates of Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Serial publications contain current, expert-reviewed information essential for students and researchers. This study was carried out to examine awareness as a determinant of use of serial publication by undergraduates of Federal University, Lokojo. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The population consisted of 3,500 undergraduates. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the participants.  A sample of 346 undergraduates was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) Table of sample size determination.  The participants were drawn from three departments from each of the five faculties at the Federal University, Lokoja. Data was collected with an adapted questionnaire.  The validated questionnaire had Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.861. A total of 301 valid copies of the questionnaire were retrieved from 346 copies administered to the respondents representing an 86.9% response rate.  Descriptive statistics and simple regression were used to analyse the quantitative data. The findings revealed that "personal findings" were the most agreed-upon source of awareness. Students at Federal University, Lokoja, demonstrated a high level of knowledge about serial publications. Furthermore, awareness positively influenced the use of serials. The study recommends establishing departmental libraries to improve access to library resources, enhance engagement with serials, and promote a stronger research capacity and learning culture among students.