UTILISATION OF INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AMONG FACULTY MEMBERS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA

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Abstract:  This paper examined utilisation of institutional repositories for research activities among faculty members in federal universities in North-Central, Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives. The population of the study was 133 Library and Information Science Educators in federal universities in North-central, Nigeria. Total enumeration or census was carried out because the population is manageable. Out of the 133 copies of questionnaire administered, 111 copies were returned representing 83% response rate. The findings of the study revealed that the extent of use of institutional repositories for research activities among faculty members is moderately high. The faculty members revealed that the extent of use of institutional repositories were high in writing of theses/dissertations, conference proceedings, seminar papers and journal article. The study concluded that while faculty members in federal universities in North-central, Nigeria recognise the importance of institutional repositories, the utilisation of these repositories for research activities are limited. The study  recommended among others that federal universities in North-central, Nigeria should develop collaborative workspaces for research projects, share research outputs, prepare and share lecture notes. By utilising institutional repositories for these purposes, faculty members can enhance their research activities, improve collaboration and knowledge sharing and support institutional goals.