Perception and Attitude of Postgraduate Students of Library and Information Science Towards Scholarly Publications in Nigeria

Kehinde Owolabi; Nurudeen Aderibigbe; Aderonke Adeshina; Nduka Nworu; Margaret Owunezi

Kehinde Owolabi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Nigeria
Nurudeen Aderibigbe Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Nigeria
Aderonke Adeshina University of Zululand South Africa
Nduka Nworu Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana: Nigeria
Margaret Owunezi Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana: Nigeria

Abstract

The paper investigated the perception and attitude of postgraduate (PG) students of Library and Information Science (LIS) towards scholarly publications in Nigeria. The study is survey research anchored on the post-positivism research paradigm. The research employed the use of questionnaires and interviews to allow for effective triangulation of the research findings. Purposive sampling was used to select five universities accredited to run both Master's and PhD degrees in Library and Information Science by the National University Commissions, the regulatory body in charge of university education in the country. The study's population is fifty, comprising ten postgraduate students from each of the five purposively selected universities. The study's findings revealed that LIS doctoral students are aware of scholarly publications, and their attitude toward publishing their research works is regarded as an excellent policy. In addition, the journal is the most used channel in which they make their research findings known to the academic communities. Inadequate mentoring opportunity is a challenge facing LIS graduate students in developing an interest in scholarly publications. Based on the results of the study, there is a need for university management through postgraduate schools to create enabling environments that will promote research and innovation in Nigerian universities. Qualified lecturers should be employed to handle research aspects of the LIS PG curriculum. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in methodology because it provides new data for postgraduate schools in Nigeria on the perception and attitude of doctoral students toward scholarly publications. Also, the research will be a reference point for researchers working on postgraduate and scholarly publications in developing countries.

References

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