Usefulness of institutional repositories: Perceptions of students at Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria | Nigerian School Library Journal

Abstract:  This study investigated the perceived usefulness of institutional repositories (IRs) among students in the Department of Library and Information Science at the Federal Polytechnic Of a, Kwara State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted; a total of one hundred and fifty (150) students who were selected using simple random sampling technique constituted the sample for the study. Structured questionnaire was the instrument for data collection, results were presented in tables and data were analyzed using simple frequencies and percentages. The challenges identified in the study included inadequate information technology infrastructure, lack of funds, maintenance issues and concerns about plagiarism among others; but despite these challenges, respondents reported a highly positive perception about institutional repositories (IRs), with a combined total of 114 respondents (94.2%) indicating that they considered institutional repositories either “Useful” or “Very Useful” in the academic environment. Also, the study found that while perception of usefulness of institutional repositories is relatively high, actual usage remains moderate (65 students, 53.7%). The study recommends improved user education, infrastructure upgrades, stronger administrative commitment and formulation of policies to guide the institutionalization of institutional repositories in academic processes.