An examination of students' access to open access repositories in University of Maiduguri, Borno State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study:
Access to scholarly information is a cornerstone of academic success, and open access repositories have emerged as a solution to overcome financial and logistical barriers in higher education. At the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, students depend significantly on these repositories to access diverse academic resources that are often unavailable through traditional subscription models. The open access model not only reduces dependency on expensive journals but also promotes a culture of sharing and collaboration among students. Despite this, variations in students’ digital literacy, infrastructural deficits, and limited awareness pose challenges to effective repository usage. In regions like Maiduguri, where resources are generally scarce, the importance of open access is magnified as it serves as a vital tool for academic research and learning enhancement. This study focuses on evaluating the extent of access and usage of open access repositories by students, examining the factors that affect their engagement, and identifying potential measures to improve accessibility and overall utilization (Gimba, 2023; Usman, 2024).
Statement of the Problem:
While open access repositories are designed to provide equitable access to scholarly information, many students at the University of Maiduguri face significant barriers in fully utilizing these resources. Challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, and inadequate institutional support hinder the effective access and use of open access materials. These challenges not only restrict academic growth and research productivity but also perpetuate existing disparities within the student community. Consequently, there is a critical need to identify the specific obstacles that limit student access and recommend viable solutions to enhance the use of open access repositories (Gimba, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the current level of access to open access repositories among students.
To identify factors that influence students’ ability to utilize these repositories.
To propose strategies for improving repository accessibility and utilization.
Research Questions:
What is the current level of access to open access repositories among students at the University of Maiduguri?
Which factors most significantly impact students’ usage of these repositories?
What strategies can be implemented to enhance access and engagement with open access resources?
Significance of the Study:
This study is significant as it investigates student access to open access repositories at the University of Maiduguri, highlighting critical issues that impede academic progress. The findings will enable university administrators and policymakers to develop targeted interventions aimed at improving digital literacy, upgrading infrastructural support, and promoting greater usage of open access resources. Such improvements are expected to foster enhanced academic performance and research innovation (Usman, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to the investigation of students' access to open access repositories at the University of Maiduguri. It focuses on internal factors influencing repository usage without comparing access dynamics across different institutions or external influences.
Definitions of Terms:
Open Access Repositories: Centralized digital archives that provide free access to scholarly works.
Access: The ability of students to reach and utilize digital repositories for academic purposes.
Digital Literacy: The competency required to locate, evaluate, and use digital information effectively.
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