Digitalizing Theses and Dissertations for Accessibility and Visibility of Research Outputs: Evidence-Based Study of the TERAS Institutional Repository

Abstract

This study investigates university libraries’ efforts to digitalize theses and disseminate them through the TERAS institutional repository using an evidence-based approach for running IRs in Nigeria and the challenges therein. It was guided by five research objectives and six research questions, administered to selected categories of university library staff. Data from a sample of 138 respondents, including library staff and university stakeholders, were collected through a Likert scale structured questionnaire, and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal significant obstacles, including unreliable internet connectivity, inconsistent power supply, and outdated or insufficient digital systems. The study further highlights the limited training and expertise of library staff in managing
institutional repositories, which compromises the accessibility and visibility of research outputs using the TERAS. The impact of these challenges extends to diminished global reach and limited academic collaboration. The study concludes by recommending strategic investments in digital infrastructure, continuous professional development for staff, and the formulation of clear intellectual property policies to encourage submissions to institutional repositories, among other things.