Integration and use of institutional repositories in public universities: the case of the university of Nairobi

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the integration and use of institutional repositories in public universities with special reference to the University of Nairobi. Objectives of the study were to; assess the development and implementation process of institutional repositories in institutions of higher learning, identify institutional factors that influence integration and use of institutional repositories, examine the perception of institutional repositories by users, assess the extent to which the university is creating awareness and popularizing the use of institutional repositories among the clients and identify challenges faced by users including possible solutions. The study used cross sectional descriptive survey research design to gather and analyze data which was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The study used questionnaires, the interview schedule and observation guide to collect data. A set of two questionnaires were administered to students and staff of the Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library while the researcher interacted with students and staff for direct observation. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and quantitative data was presented using arithmetic mean, frequency distributions and percentages while qualitative data was collected by use of open ended questions in the questionnaire, interview schedule and observation guide. Qualitative data was presented in prose and by verbatim discussion. The study established that, the institutional repository has not been well integrated to mainstream information resources of the library while it is pertinent that the institutional repository is a fundamental source of information, knowledge and communication. The results also demonstrate that, there is lack of awareness on the part of students and staff, and thus, the study recommends the need for serious marketing and promotion of the institutional repository. For further research, the study suggests the integration of different forms of presentation as it was established that, institutional repositories do not integrate different forms of presentation such as; graphics, video and sound within the repository to carter for the whole population of users including those with disabilities.