Implementing Institutional Repository in Nigerian universities: status, challenges, prospects, and the role of librarians & libraries

Abstract

This is a report of the study carried out in late 2013. In this paper, the authors identify the extent of adoption of Institutional Repository (IR) in various universities through an online survey. Concepts of institutional repository (IR) and institutional memory (IM) are clarified. It lays down the findings from the survey. The paper also explains the essential elements of IR, Service Model of IR, prospects and challenges of IR in Nigerian  universities, IR implementation strategies; including the role of the libraries and librarians. Findings reveal that as at the time of study world IR presence numbers 3479. Nigeria has only nine (9) Universities representing just 0.23% of the  world IR. But some African countries' universities have more. South Africa alone had 40, which amounts to 1.15% of the world Institutional Repositories as at then. The paper concludes with recommendations on the ways Nigerian universities could overcome the barrier in IR implementation.