1-ASSESSMENT OF ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE MZUMBE UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY IN TANZANIA
ASSESSMENT OF ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE MZUMBE UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY IN TANZANIA
Elizabeth Sulle* and Kardo Mwilongo**
Mzumbe University
*
Abstract
This study evaluated the access to and utilization of institutional repository resources among postgraduate students at Mzumbe University in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the level of postgraduate students’ awareness of the repository, examine their access to and utilization of the repository resources and identify their perceptions of the factors influencing access and utilization of the repository at Mzumbe University. The study was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and utilized a mixed research design integrating both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 83 conveniently selected postgraduate students and two key informants from the library directorate respectively. Statistical Product for Service Solution Version 26 and content analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The findings indicate that the majority of postgraduate students are aware of the Mzumbe University institutional repository, but their interaction with the platform is significantly low. The study highlights several factors influencing access to and use of the institutional repository. These factors include the institution’s management commitment to the repository’s overall performance, frequent
power cuts and the availability of information and communication technology facilities. The quality of the uploaded resources and Internet connectivity also play a role in determining access to and use of the repository. Based on the findings, the study recommends the possible measures that institutional repository stakeholders can take to address.
Keywords: Institutional repository, academic community, researchers, academic libraries, digital
preservation, scholarly works, Tanzania
Proceedings of the 5th Cotul Scientific Conference Held On 6th – 10th November 2023
