ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT OF SERIALS IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN CROSS RIVER STATE

The aim of this research work was to find out the extent to which serials are acquired and managed in University libraries in Cross River State. Four purposes of the study were given and in other to achieve these purposes, research questions were generated according to each purpose to direct the study. The literature review was carried out according to the variables guiding the study. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample of forty-five (45) librarians were selected for the study. The selection was done using census sampling technique. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to face and content validity by the supervisor, other experts in the field of Library and Information Science and as well experts in measurement and evaluation from Faculty of Education, University of Cross River State. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through the Cronbach alpha method of reliability. Frequency counts, simple percentages, mean score and standard deviation, p-value and t- value analysis were the statistical techniques adopted to proffer answers to the research questions generated for the study. The results of the data analysis revealed that serials are acquired and managed in university libraries in Cross River State, it also shows that serials are processed in university libraries than expected, it was noted that serials are disseminated and stored in university libraries than the expected level. From the results of the findings, serials are acquired and managed in university libraries in Cross River State and it was recommended among others that the management of University libraries should automate serials collection and other materials to avoid quick damage or disaster.