Using citation checking of undergraduate honors thesis bibliographies to evaluate library collections

Abstract

This study utilizes citation checking of advanced undergraduate research papers as a method for evaluating library collections at an institution with growing undergraduate and graduate research demands. A random sample of 101 honors thesis bibliographies from the period 1993-2002 was examined for format, discipline, and local availability rates. The proportion of journal citations in relation to books increased slightly over the period, but no other clear trends emerged. The incidence of Web citations began during the period but did not steadily increase. The study highlighted specific use patterns and collection weaknesses. Results serve as a baseline for further study of the library's undergraduate user population; further citation studies are encouraged to assess continued use of online resources as the Internet and electronic technologies evolve.