Abstract:
Academic libraries are struggling with diminishing funds for acquisition of library
materials. The price of books continues to rise, which has forced many libraries to
cut back on purchasing. Academic libraries are faced with the problems of meeting
the information needs of researchers in different fields of study. This ugly trend
affects learning and research in our academic institutions, and leaves researchers
with few resources. Online resources can help alleviate these problems; however,
there is a limit to the quantity and quality of information that one can easily access.
Some electronic materials require subscription fees that may not be within the
reach of the users. Librarians must have a clear understanding of information
needs and information resources used by researchers. One way to do this is
by analysing theses to discover what materials are cited most by researchers. This
will enable librarians to provide these materials and encourage learning and
research. This can be done through citation analysis. The result of the analysis will
help librarians base the acquisition of library materials on facts not on opinion.
