User Centered Collection Development: A Citation Analysis of Graduate Biology Theses
ABSTRACT The authors sought to identify biology collection usage among graduate students at Jacksonville State University. Forty master's degree student theses from 2008 to 2014 were examined. A total of 2,351 citations were analyzed, of which journals accounted for 75% books for 10% and the remaining 15% included government documents, websites, dissertations, and theses. Findings are consistent with previous similar studies: students referenced journals more often than books and other sources. Journal and book citations present discrepancies between number of citations and number of authors citing. Wide ranges of journal subjects were cited due to the interdisciplinary nature of graduate programs. Recommendations are provided for future collection development and library instruction practice.