Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to assess practical aspects of implementation of institutional repositories
(IRs) in Africa with reference to the University of Nairobi and provide useful guidelines to the issues and
lessons learned to the other practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach – The study used cross-sectional descriptive survey design to
gather and analyze data that was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. In addition,
questionnaires, interview schedule and observation guide were utilized to collect data from the
respondents.
Findings – First, the study established that the IR has not been well integrated into mainstream
information services of the library. Second, there is lack of awareness on the use of IR as an information
resource on the part of students and staff. Third, there is need to integrate different forms of information
into the IR including graphics, video and sound to carter for the whole population of users even those
with disabilities. Finally, there is need for aggressive or serious rebranding, marketing and promotion
of the IR.
Research limitations/implications – IRs are vital sources of information that are increasingly
being integrated and utilized in African higher education. Discussion of the University of Nairobi as a
case study provides practical lessons, implications and home grown solutions for other institutions of
higher learning in the African context.
Practical implications – IR is not only contemporary or emerging source of knowledge, information
and communication but also fundamental or basic in institutions of higher learning. Consequently, IR
provides excellent opportunities for universities to expand knowledge beyond internal and external
learning environments.
Social implications – Being fundamental sources of knowledge, IRs provide and support teaching,
learning, research activities, scholarly communications and community services in universities and the
society at large. As information and communication hubs, IRs have reinvented the image and role of
universities as sources of knowledge in the society.
Originality/value – Universities need to embrace IRs as vital and valid sources of knowledge and
learning. Developing IRs without aggressive rebranding, marketing and promotional strategies is not
enough for universities, associated institutions plus the information staff, but with prove that the
resources are being utilized to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
Keywords Africa, Institutions of higher learning, Kenya, Implementation, Institutional repositories,
University of Nairobi
Paper type Research paper
