Citation analysis of M.Tech theses submitted in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the materials used in Masters' theses of the Agricultural Economics and Extension Department (AEE), FUTA during the period of 2005‐2009 with the aim of improving the existing collection development available for the students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed descriptive research design. Theses submitted for the award of M.Tech degree between 2005 and 2009 at the department of AEE, FUTA were examined. This was checked against the record of AEE (M.Tech) graduands obtained from the School of Postgraduate Studies. The population of the study was all the theses submitted during the periods under study. Data were extracted from title pages and reference lists. Extracted data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

It was found that journals were more consulted compared to other sources of information materials. AEE M.Tech students do not take much advantage of resources available on the web and internet. It was also revealed that highest citation was recorded in 2006, while 30.52 per cent of materials cited were 20 years old and above. In addition, more than half of the cited materials were contributed by single authors and foreign journals were more cited with 72 per cent than local journals with 28 per cent. Moreover, Journal of Agriculture Economics was found to be the most cited journal followed by Journal of Econometrics.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the information materials available and used by Master students of the Agricultural Economics and Extension Department for their research work and those which need to be added for a healthy collection.

Citation

Kehinde Fasae, J. (2011), "Citation analysis of M.Tech theses submitted in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria", Collection Building, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 179-183. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604951111181155