Background of the Study:
In today’s competitive academic environment, the adoption of open access resources is pivotal for enhancing scholarly communication and research productivity. At the University of Jos, lecturers are increasingly exposed to the transformative benefits of open access models, which offer enhanced visibility and accessibility of research outputs (Chima, 2023). Despite these advantages, several factors influence lecturers’ willingness to adopt and utilize open access resources. This study situates its investigation in the context of an evolving digital era, marked by rapid technological advances and shifting academic paradigms. Institutional factors such as funding, infrastructure, and administrative support interplay with personal factors including digital literacy, research culture, and individual attitudes towards innovation (Musa, 2024). Furthermore, competing priorities and limited understanding of open access benefits hinder the full integration of these resources into academic practice. The interplay between traditional publishing practices and emerging digital platforms creates a dynamic tension that affects adoption rates among lecturers. As a result, it is crucial to examine how these influencing factors either support or impede the integration of open access resources within the academic environment. This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the determinants that drive lecturers’ decisions, thereby informing institutional strategies to cultivate a more open and collaborative research culture (Abiola, 2023).
Statement of the Problem:
Lecturers at the University of Jos face a complex set of challenges that affect their adoption of open access resources. Despite the acknowledged benefits of enhanced dissemination and collaboration, many lecturers are hesitant to transition from conventional publishing routes due to infrastructural deficiencies, limited digital training, and institutional inertia. The resistance to change is compounded by the perceived risk associated with open access models, including concerns about credibility and scholarly impact. These issues result in a suboptimal utilization of available open access resources, thereby limiting research visibility and collaborative opportunities. The study seeks to delineate these barriers clearly and understand the underlying factors discouraging adoption, aiming to provide actionable recommendations that can support a more robust open access framework (Eje, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To identify the key institutional and personal factors influencing lecturers’ adoption of open access resources.
To analyze the perceived risks and benefits associated with open access usage.
To propose strategies for enhancing the adoption of open access resources among lecturers.
Research Questions:
What institutional factors affect the adoption of open access resources by lecturers?
How do individual attitudes and digital literacy influence the decision to adopt open access?
What strategies can encourage greater adoption of open access resources among lecturers?
Significance of the Study:
This study is significant as it illuminates the factors influencing lecturers’ adoption of open access resources at the University of Jos. The findings will inform academic leaders and policymakers on how to tailor interventions that promote a more favorable environment for open access practices, thereby enhancing research dissemination and academic collaboration. The insights derived will contribute to shaping institutional strategies that bridge the gap between traditional publishing methods and innovative open access models (Chima, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to an examination of factors influencing the adoption of open access resources among lecturers at the University of Jos. The focus is on internal institutional and personal factors, excluding external market trends and international policy influences.
Definitions of Terms:
Open Access Resources: Digital materials available free of charge for scholarly use.
Digital Literacy: The competency to access, evaluate, and effectively use digital information.
Adoption Factors: Influences that determine the acceptance and integration of new technologies or practices.
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