A Study on the Use of Theses and Dissertations as Information Source

정보원으로서의 학위논문 이용에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to analyse theses and dissertations cited in research literature, particularly subjects, age, origin, and frequency of use of them, and kinds of papers that cite them. The theses and dissertations cited in the journal articles and theses dissertations in the fields of library science, information science and bibliography are analysed in this study. The maj or conclusions made in this study are summarised as follows. (1) Theses and dissertations form $5.6\%$ of the total citations. (2) $87.1\%$ of the cited theses and dissertations are found in theses and dissertations and $12.9\%$ in journal articles. (3) Most of research papers cite less than six theses and dissertations. The average number of theses and dissertations cited in a research paper in 2.7. (4) Most of the cited theses and dissertations are found in research papers from their own field and $24.5\%$ in those from other fields. (5) Researchers prefer to cite recently produced theses and dissertations $63.5\%$ of the total citations are those produced within three years in the past. (6) The theses and dissertations form most part$(89.0\%)$ of the total citations. 88.9% of the cited foreign theses and dissertations are found in theses and dissertations, and $11.1\%$ in journal articles.