The Use of Information Sources and Services and Its Effect on the Research Output of Social Scientists in Nigerian Universities

This article investigates the effects of the use of information sources and services on the research output of social scientists in the Nigerian federal government-owned universities. Simple cluster sampling with equal allocation method was used for sample selection. A self-developed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient (α = 0.78) was used for data gathering on 315 social scientists, of which 281 responded. The study found no significant difference between male and female use of information sources in social science research. The mean number of journals read on a regular basis by the respondents is seven. They occasionally use electronic information services in support of their research activities. There are significant main effects of the use of information sources and services on the research output of the respondents. It is recommended that the respondents should endeavour to use electronic information services; their institutional libraries should acquire current information materials in support of research and teaching; and both information sources and services be used in their teaching and research