Awareness and Use of Institutional Repository by Postgraduates of Library and Information Technology in Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State

Abstract

The research study investigated the awareness and use of postgraduates’ of Library and Information Technology on the university domiciled repository. This research study adopted the cross-sectional survey research and used a self-developed questionnaire to collect quantitative data from forty-two (42) 2018/2019 postgraduate in the department of Library and Information Technology of Federal University of Technology, Minna. Cross sectional research design was used because data can be collected at a point which makes it faster and relatively inexpensive. Data collected from the study was analysed using descriptive statistics specifically distribution table and mode. The findings from the study indicated that Library and Information Technology (LIT) postgraduates were aware of the Institutional Repository. The result also showed that the main source of awareness of the IR for the students was through the use of the Internet, followed by the library website/social media pages. Challenges highlighted showed that inadequate skills for accessing the institutional repository was the most perceived challenge hindering its use. The study recommended that the university library staff should liaise with the School of Postgraduate Studies to create awareness and advocate for the use of the IR. It also recommended that the School of Postgraduate studies should come up with the self-archiving policy of postgraduate theses similar to what the faculty members do. This will increase the interaction of students with the IR interface and by extension increase its use.