Abstract:
The study evaluates serials collections in medical libraries in Imo state. Seven purposes guided the study; identify the types of serials collection in medical libraries in Imo state, Find out extent of use of serials collection in medical libraries in these libraries, Identify the purpose of using serials in these libraries, Examine the currency of these serial collections in these libraries, Identify the level of satisfaction in using the serials, Identify the problems affecting the serial collections in these libraries and Suggest the strategies for enhancing serials collection in these libraries. Three medical libraries were selected for the study. Data relevant to the study was collected using the questionnaires, Interview and observation checklist method. A total of 195 copies out of 225 of the questionnaire returned were found usable signifying 84.7% response. Data was analyzed using percentage, frequency counts and mean scores. The findings revealed that serials collections that are available in medical libraries are Newsletter, Newspaper, medical journals, Magazine, while these collections that are not available in their libraries; Trade publications, proceedings, Transaction of societies, monographic serials, medical year books and medical reports and medical libraries user does not use these collections. The major problems encountered in the evaluation of serials collections are Insufficient fund, Insufficient fund Non frequency of publication, Insufficient staff non increase in budget of hospital management, Non Updating of serials, Insufficient computers, Lack of internet connectivity. Appropriate recommendations were proffered which includes insufficient fund, frequency of publication, sufficient staff, increase in budget of hospital management, updating of serials, sufficient computers, and internet connectivity.
