The Structure of Influence in Library and Information Science Research in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence exerted by library and information science departments of Nigerian universities in terms of thesis output. It examined the distribution of master’s and doctoral theses in library, archival, and information science from 1972 to 1992 by university, level of degree, geographical area, type of library, and subject. The documentary research method was adopted. Data were gathered from lists of theses in each of the four Nigerian universities that have so far produced master’s and doctoral theses in library and information science. Data were analyzed through the use of percentage, Chi–square statistical, and Bradford–Zipf statistical methods. The findings were that the University of Ibadan accounted for the most theses (73.9 percent), followed by Ahmadu Bello University with 17.3 percent. The University of Ibadan produced theses on more states than any other university, and was also the most productive on all types of libraries except public libraries. Oyo State, Lagos State, and Nigeria were the entities that emerged as core, while library use, information needs, and availability of resources were the core subjects investigated. On the basis of their output, the four universities are ranked, in descending order, as follows: (1) University of Ibadan, (2) Ahmadu Bello University, (3) Abia State University, and (4) Bayero University. This ranking reflects the degree of their influence on library, archival, and information science research in Nigeria.