Abstract
The study examined the Relationship between Online Serials Utilization Pattern and Research Output
among Postgraduate Students in State Universities in North-Central, Nigeria. Two research questions
guided the inquiry, with a single null hypothesis tested at a significance level of 0.05. The study
adopted a correlational research method with total population of 4,400 registered postgraduate students
in state universities in North-Central, Nigeria. A sample size of 220 postgraduate students was selected
for participation. Data collection utilized two instruments developed by the researcher: the Serials
Utilization Pattern Questionnaire (SUPQ) and the Research Output of Postgraduate Students
Questionnaire (ROPSQ). The data was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation
Coefficient (PPMCC), mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed a significant positive
relationship (R2 = .955) between online serials utilization patterns and the research output of
postgraduate students in state universities in North-Central, Nigeria. Additionally, the study identified
a high level of research output among postgraduate students, particularly in the realm of writing papers
for local conferences. However, the null hypothesis concerning the predictive ability of online serials
utilization patterns on research output was supported (β = .136, t (219) = 2 .027, p < .05). In light of
these findings, it is recommended that university management consider increasing budgetary
allocations to the serials sections of their libraries. This investment would facilitate the provision of upto-
date information across various disciplines, thereby enhancing the research endeavors of
postgraduate students in North-Central, Nigeria.
Keywords: Serials, Utilization Pattern, Research Output and Postgraduate Students.
Publication Date: 2026-02-05