Periodicals form a very significant part of the requirements for the courses offered in the University. Periodicals are serial publications with a continuing title issued at regular or irregular intervals and numbered consecutively (i.e. one after the other in series, without interruption) to distinguish one from the other. They include journals, magazines, memoirs, transactions, proceedings, bulletins, gazettes, reviews, reports, newspapers, newsletters and annuals. Periodicals usually consist of a collection of articles which range from a single page story in a magazine to a 40 page study in a scholarly journal. Periodicals can offer some advantages over books depending upon the information need.
It is said that periodicals i.e. journals to be precise, remain the most important means of disseminating knowledge worldwide, despite the spread of computer-based technological innovations and databases. They are more than a means of communication. Journals report new knowledge, interpret research, and provide a forum for debate and discussion. Periodicals, because they are published frequently, are the best sources for current information. Current events are usually discussed in periodicals long before they become the subject of a book. Periodicals often contain information on the latest trends, products, research and theories. Periodicals are the best source for ephemeral or very specialized information. Periodicals exist for every field and every interest, providing access to a variety of hard to find information.
Due to the shorter length of periodical articles, more topics may be covered within one volume of a periodical publication than in one book. Periodicals are provided for study and research for members of the institution and general public to support teaching, learning and research activities.
4.2 Divisions Under the Section
The Periodicals Section has the following divisions:
· Circulation/Clients Service Division
· Newspapers Collection Division
· Electronic Support Division
· Serials And Media Division
4.3 Mandate of the Section
The mandate of the Periodicals Section:
· Is to add value to the University’s teaching and learning, research, publication and dissemination activities;
· To provide accurate reliable, authentic and complete information in a timely manner to support academic activities.
4.4 Functions of the Section
· Develop a collection of resources based on all subjects being taught in the university;
· Recommend, receive, organize and display publications that fall under the term ‘PERIODICALS.’
· Process and make available and accessible publications, to be retrieved and used by clients.
Brief information about the section
The section is responsible for subscriptions and management of periodical collections.
Head of section: Ms. Matilda Ampah-Johnston
Contact info of section: 033 21 30952/3 Ext. 114
Hours and location: 9am -10pm During semester and 9am – 5am During revision and examination, Third Floor
