Library collections contribute to doctoral studies: Citation analysis of dissertations in the field of economics and administration

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the impact of university libraries by investigating the availability of the references of dissertations in the university's own library, special attention being given to the electronic availability of cited works.

Design/methodology/approach

Citation analysis was used. Ten dissertations of economics and administration from two Finnish universities were analysed. The dissertations were completed in 2005‐2006. The comparison of the availability of references in two different universities – i.e. a large, multidisciplinary university and a small, specialised university – was carried out.

Findings

The availability of the references of dissertations was good in both universities. A large number of references, especially journal articles, were already available electronically. The university libraries have a significant role in contributing to doctoral studies because they offer access to adequate information resources.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is quite limited: only two Finnish universities and ten dissertations were included in the data. The good availability of references might result from doctoral students' unwillingness to search outside sources. However, doctoral students do not cite all sources that they read. The impact of the library on doctoral studies could be even bigger than can be shown by citation analysis.

Practical implications

The paper indicates that citation analysis is a good tool in promoting the library's impact.

Originality/value

The paper emphasises that the impact of libraries can be demonstrated by presenting the visibility of their collections in dissertations. Because of the rapid change of information environment, the study considered the availability of electronic sources of dissertations. An interesting comparison between two different universities was carried out.

Citation

Iivonen, M., Nygrén, U., Valtari, A. and Heikkilä, T. (2009), "Library collections contribute to doctoral studies: Citation analysis of dissertations in the field of economics and administration", Library Management, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 185-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120910937357